Sensitivity of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 during the Omicron variant outbreak among players and staff members of the Japan Professional Football League and clubs: a retrospective observational study

Abstract

ObjectivesRapid antigen tests have been used to prevent the spread of the COVID-19; however, there have been concerns about their decreased sensitivity to the Omicron variant. In this study, we assessed the sensitivity and specificity of the rapid antigen test compared with the PCR test among the players and staff members of the Japan Professional Football League and clubs. Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship between the sensitivity and the duration from the onset of symptoms to testing or vaccine status.DesignThis was a retrospective observational study.MethodsWe used 656 results from both the rapid antigen and PCR tests for COVID-19 using samples collected on the same day from 12 January to 2 March 2022, during the Omicron variant outbreak in Japan.ResultsThe sensitivity of the rapid antigen test compared with the PCR test was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.73) and the specificity was 0.998 (95% CI: 0.995 to 1.000). There were no significant associations between the sensitivity and the duration from the onset of symptoms to testing (including asymptomatic cases in the category) or vaccination status (p>0.05) with small effect sizes (Cramer’s V or φ: ≤0.22).ConclusionsEven during the Omicron outbreak, the sensitivity of the rapid antigen tests did not depend on the duration from the onset of symptoms to testing.

Diagnostic Accuracy of the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID‐19 Antigen Card Test, Puerto Rico

“…Lower prevalence can lead to higher false‐negative rates as the proportion of true negatives in the population increases, influencing the balance of sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity and specificity of the BinaxNOW test remained consistent across participants regardless of their COVID‐19 vaccination status, similar to other studies [28, 48].…”

The development of an electrochemical immunosensor utilizing chicken IgY anti-spike antibody for the detection of SARS-CoV-2

“…As RT-PCR was the gold standard for any test for the calculation of sensitivity and specificity, the lack of PCR confirmed clinical samples due to pandemic cessation was a big constraint for our study. However, the reference technique in this study, the RAPID N detection system, revealed 63% to about 75% sensitivity when compared to nucleic acid based techniques 36 , 37 . Moreover, the fact that the lateral flow test is based on the measurements of N and not S antigen may affect decision about sensitivity and specificity.…”

Diagnostic Accuracy of the Abbot BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Card Test, Puerto Rico

“…Sensitivity and specificity of the BinaxNOW test remained consistent across participants regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status, similar to other studies. 29,48 Test timing, the patient's clinical presentation, and the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the community should be considered when interpreting results and making diagnostic decisions. This approach aligns with CDC guidance on COVID-19 testing.…”

“…Sensitivity and specificity of the BinaxNOW test remained consistent across participants regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status, similar to other studies. 29,48…”