Lessons learned: drive-through COVID-19 clinic testing during an adaptive epidemic response and a point-of-care test assessment of a computer-read rapid lateral flow immunoassay with fluorescence-based detection

Abstract

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated a need for robust SARS-CoV-2 test evaluation infrastructure to underpin biosecurity and protect the population during a pandemic health emergency. Gap statement. The first generation of rapid antigen tests was less accurate than molecular methods due to their inherent sensitivity and specificity shortfalls, compounded by the consequences of self-testing. This created a need for more accurate point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 detection methods. Aim. Here we present the lessons-learned during the COVID-19 emergency response in Western Australia including the detailed set-up, evaluation and operation of rapid antigen test in a state-run drive-through sample collection service during the COVID-19 pandemic after the strict border shutdown ended. Methods. We report a conformity assessment of a novel, second-generation rapid antigen test (Virulizer) comprising a technician-operated rapid lateral flow immunoassay with fluorescence-based detection. Results. The Virulizer rapid antigen test demonstrated up to 100% sensitivity (95% CI: 61.0–100%), 91.94% specificity (95% CI: 82.5–96.5%) and 92.65% accuracy when compared to a commercial PCR assay method. Wide confidence intervals in our series reflect the limits of small sample size. Nevertheless, the Virulizer assay performance was well-suited to point-of-care screening for SARS-CoV-2 in a drive-through clinic setting. Conclusion. The adaptive evaluation process necessary under changing pandemic conditions enabled assessment of a simple sample collection and point-of-care testing process, and showed how this system could be rapidly deployed for SARS-CoV-2 testing, including to regional and remote settings.