Syndromic approach to SARS-CoV-2 detection using QIAstat-Dx SARS-CoV-2 panel from clinical samples

The QIAstat-Dx SARS-CoV-2 panel is a multiplex cartridge based assay based on real time PCR which can detect 17 respiratory viruses, including the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. A syndromic approach is the need of the hour for COVID-19 diagnostics among patients presenting with respiratory symptoms. The present study was done to evaluate 120 archived respiratory clinical specimens for SARS-CoV-2 on the SARS-CoV-2 panel. Further, 27 specimens were tested for other respiratory viruses, in comparison with the BioFire RP1.7 platform. The sensitivity and specificity for SARS-CoV-2 on SARS panel was found to be 90.00 % and 100 % respectively, indicating good diagnostic accuracy. The positive predictive value was found to be 100 %, negative predictive value was found to be 99.93 % and accuracy was 99.93 %. Detection of other respiratory viruses observed a concordance of 77.7 %. Despite advantages of speed, minimal expertise and accurate results; significant costs and discrepancies at Ct >35 remain important limitations of the SARS panel.