Evaluation of the Diagnostic Performance of the TestNPass DM-DIV for SARS-CoV-2 Using a Nasopharyngeal Sample

Overview

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a major global health crisis that requires a rapid and effective response, particularly in the field of diagnostics. The first tests used, based on PCR (polymerase chain reaction) performed through a deep nasopharyngeal swab, have shown their limitations in controlling the epidemic. The current need is to develop new tests that are rapid, affordable and easy to use, and that can be used on a large scale in outpatient settings to reduce the burden on healthcare teams. In addition, a test that is easy to produce and can be stored at room temperature would help overcome the significant logistical challenge of regularly testing the general population to specifically isolate carriers of the virus. In this context, an innovative test called "TestNPass" has been developed. TestNPass is a rapid and affordable antigen test for screening and diagnosis that provides a secure digital passport and/or QR code upon request. Our aim is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of TestNPass using nasopharyngeal swabs for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the global spread of SARS-CoV-2 are historic events in terms of their magnitude and the collective response they have elicited from medical teams, governments and the general public. This situation requires a rapid and effective response to find solutions, particularly in the field of diagnostics. While the initial tests used were based on PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and deep nasopharyngeal swabs, this approach has shown its limitations in controlling the epidemic. The significant logistical resources required for its implementation limit its large-scale use beyond what is currently being done. In addition, deep nasopharyngeal sampling is not feasible for repeated testing of healthy populations as part of primary screening. The current need is to develop new point-of-care (PoC) testing methods that are rapid, affordable and easy to use. These characteristics would allow mass use in outpatient settings, reducing the burden on healthcare teams. In addition, a test that is easy to produce and can be stored at room temperature would address the immense logistical challenge of regularly testing the general population to specifically isolate virus carriers. In this context, an innovative test called "TestNPass" has been developed by the Grenoble-based start-up company Grapheal. TestNPass is a rapid and low-cost antigen test for screening and diagnosis that delivers a secure digital passport and/or QR code on request. This type of device could also be used to detect various antigens, such as those of influenza, streptococcus A or shingles. Our objective in this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of an in vitro diagnostic medical device (IVD) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection using a nasopharyngeal swab. To achieve this, we will take an additional nasopharyngeal swab sample immediately after the sample taken as part of routine health care. A total of 400 adult participants who require a nasopharyngeal swab for their medical care will be enrolled in this study. The only additional procedure involved in the study is the collection of a second nasopharyngeal swab. The study consists of a single visit (1 day).