- Rapid tests detecting the SARS-CoV-2 antigens from nasopharyngeal swabs are quickly becoming the accepted tests for the detection of current infections. They give results in 15 minutes and are less costly than PCR. These benefits far outweigh the drawback of their lower sensitivity.
- “Thanks to its low cost and reliability, this SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid test method facilitates frequent testing for improved control of the pandemic. What is needed however is a more sensitive method”
- Biohit’s new antigen rapid test has provided exactly that. Using new and superior technology, namely immunofluorescence, Biohit’s new assay is up to ten-fold more sensitive when compared to the current rapid antigen assays based on immunogold.
- “This new test, now being offered by Biohit, is what we have been waiting for. It is the sharpest tool we can offer our health care professionals today. The sensitivity of 40 TCID50/ml is very impressive and as such represents the next generation of antigen rapid tests.
”By employing a far more sensitive detection technology over the current tests sold, BioHit has managed to introduce an rapid antigen test which pushes the sensitivity more than 10-fold below the currently marketed antigen rapid tests. Biohit has closed the gap between molecular tests, which are highly sensitive, but slow and expensive and rapid tests which are less sensitive.
“The reported sensitivity of the rapid antigen tests-based om the immune-gold method lies between 110 and 500 TCID50/ml, whereas the immunofluorescence-based antigen rapid test of BioHit has a sensitivity of 40 TCID50/ml; this represents the best sensitivity available today. A more sensitive tests means detecting all COVID-19 patients and cutting the spread of the disease. In my opinion it is irresponsible to employ sub-standard tests, when a better test which has the CE-IVD approval is available today.”
says Dr. C. Mauracher, virologist and CEO of Dialane AG.
According to Dr. Mauracher, virologist, CEO of DIALANE AG, a Swiss company that has collaborated with BIOHIT in the development of the SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test, the new system has the advantage of being the best in class test for swabs and the only rapid assay which can also be used for a blood test.
