Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Tests for COVID-19 and Respiratory Pathogens

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University Hospital Basel in Basel, Switzerland, have evaluated the diagnostic performance of a combined rapid antigen test for detecting SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus in symptomatic patients in tertiary care. The study found that the test is effective for detecting these pathogens in samples with high viral loads, but its sensitivity significantly declines at Ct-values above 25. The study aims to provide a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool for clinicians to initiate infection control measures and prevent nosocomial spread.

Key Takeaways:

  • The combined rapid antigen test from AllTest Biotech can detect SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus in samples with high viral loads, but its sensitivity declines at Ct-values above 25.
  • The test is effective for the simultaneous detection of these pathogens, allowing for prompt initiation of infection control measures and the prevention of nosocomial spread within hospital settings.
  • The study was conducted with 100 naso-oropharyngeal swabs, and the test showed 99% Ct-values for SARS-CoV-2, IV-A/B, and RSV.
  • The research was supported by the Clinical Virology unit, University Hospital Basel, and the Consortium Of Swiss Academic Libraries via the Wiley-Universitat Basel agreement.
  • The study's findings emphasize the importance of confirming negative rapid antigen test results with nucleic acid testing in symptomatic patients with RTIs to prevent severe consequences for clinical management.
  • The researchers compared the diagnostic performance of the Alltest-SARS-CoV-2/IV-A + B/RSV rapid antigen test with the Xpert-Xpress-SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV molecular test.

Statistics:

  • 100 naso-oropharyngeal swabs were used for the study.
  • The detection rate for SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus was 99% for samples with high viral loads.
  • The sensitivity of the rapid antigen test declined significantly at Ct-values above 25.
  • The study was supported by the Clinical Virology unit, University Hospital Basel, which is a tertiary care hospital in Basel, Switzerland.

Sources:

  • Diagnostic Performance of a Combined Rapid Antigen Test for Detecting Sars-cov-2, Influenza Virus, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus In Symptomatic Patients In Tertiary Care. Journal of Medical Virology, 2025;97(7).
  • NewsRx. Studies from University Hospital Basel Provide New Data on COVID-19 (Diagnostic Performance of a Combined Rapid Antigen Test for Detecting Sars-cov-2, Influenza Virus, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus In Symptomatic Patients In Tertiary Care). Biotech Week. August 13, 2025; p 448.