Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Buccal Screening Evaluation Using an RT-PCR Assay and a Rapid ELISA Test Among Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Buccal Screening Evaluation Using an RT-PCR Assay and a Rapid ELISA Test Among Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients: the CORDAGES Study

The main objective is to expand screening for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of the RT-PCR test (Cobas® Roche, Switzerland) and the ELISA Point of Contact Testing (PORTABLE COVID-19 ANTIGEN LAB® Stark, Italy) on buccal swab compared to the reference test, the RT-PCR test (Cobas® Roche, Switzerland) on nasopharyngeal swab.

Secondary objectives

• To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of oral swab RT-PCR and POCT relative to the quantitative amplification (Ct) values of the NP Swab RT-PCR assay.
• Analyze RT-PCR amplification cycle thresholds (Ct) and POCT diagnostic accuracy as a function of the presence and timing of symptoms.
• Among symptomatic participants, compare clinical presentations between positive and negative participants on the NP swab RT-PCR test.
• The RT-PCR test may be imperfectly sensitive, ranging from 71 to 98%3. Using a Bayesian latent class model, the investigators will assess the true accuracy of POCT as it does not require the assumption that any one test or combination of tests is perfect14,15.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18+ patient eligible for COVID-19 testing in Monaco
• symptoms suggestive of COVID-19
• contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19

Exclusion Criteria:

• refusal to participate in the study
• preventive screening of professional groups
• inability to return to the screening center within 48-72 hours of the first visit.