scholarly journals Evaluation of Two Rapid Antigenic Tests for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Nasopharyngeal Swabs

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2774
Author(s):  
Ysaline Seynaeve ◽  
Justine Heylen ◽  
Corentin Fontaine ◽  
François Maclot ◽  
Cécile Meex ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Life ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Antigen Detection ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
World Health ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
The University

(1) Background: In the current context of the COVID-19 crisis, there is a need for fast, easy-to-use, and sensitive diagnostic tools in addition to molecular methods. We have therefore decided to evaluate the performance of newly available antigen detection kits in “real-life” laboratory conditions. (2) Methods: The sensitivity and specificity of two rapid diagnostic tests (RDT)—the COVID-19 Ag Respi-Strip from Coris Bioconcept, Belgium (CoRDT), and the coronavirus antigen rapid test cassette from Healgen Scientific, LLC, USA (HeRDT)—were evaluated on 193 nasopharyngeal samples using RT-PCR as the gold standard. (3) Results: The sensitivity obtained for HeRDT was 88% for all collected samples and 91.1% for samples with Ct ≤ 31. For the CoRDT test, the sensitivity obtained was 62% for all collected samples and 68.9% for samples with Ct ≤ 31. (4) Conclusions: Despite the excellent specificity obtained for both kits, the poor sensitivity of the CoRDT did not allow for its use in the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19. HeRDT satisfied the World Health Organization’s performance criteria for rapid antigen detection tests. Its high sensitivity, quick response, and ease of use allowed for the implementation of HeRDT at the laboratory of the University Hospital of Liège.

Diuretic Drug Utilization Study

1996 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 169-176
Author(s):  
Jaime Torelló ◽  
José A Durán ◽  
María I Serrano
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Drug Reactions ◽  
Diuretic Therapy ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
World Health ◽  
Drug Reactions ◽  
Cardiac Symptoms ◽  
Medicine Service ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The University

Objective: To evaluate the present use of diuretics in our institution, and determine the appropriateness of that use and the incidence of adverse reactions and interactions. Design: This retrospective study describes the indications for use of an identified drug or combination of drugs. By the time the data were collected, some patients had been discharged or had died. Setting: The study was carried out in a referral center, the University Hospital “Virgen Macarena,” Seville, Spain. Patients: All patients receiving diuretic therapy. Those undergoing hemodialysis or receiving home care were excluded from the study. Intervention: A therapeutic audit was performed using specific standards of reference. Two models were used — one for each of the most frequent indications, ascites and congestive heart failure (CHF). Main Outcome Measures: A structured protocol gathered data on (1) demographic characteristics, (2) causes of admission and pathologic antecedents, (3) diuretic treatment, (4) basic controls (24-h diuresis and daily basal weight), (5) clinical evolution, and (6) concurrent complementary studies. The protocol included a checklist of the most frequent adverse drug reactions and interactions whose degree of causality was determined by applying the modified algorithm of Karch-Lasagna, used in the World Health Organization voluntary reporting system of adverse drug reactions. Results: One hundred twenty-six patients (16% of total admissions) received diuretic therapy. Of these, 71% were analyzed; information in the medical records was incomplete for the rest (29%). Fifty-one percent of the patients were more than 60 years old. The most frequent admission diagnoses were cardiovascular (51.5%), followed by digestive (16.7%) diseases. A total of 134 cardiac symptoms was seen in 50 patients. The most notable were acute pulmonary edema (26%), ischemic cardiopathy (12%), and cardiogenic shock (8%). Most patients receiving diuretic therapy (47.3%) were admitted to the internal medicine service. The most-prescribed diuretic was furosemide (59%), followed by spironolactone (27%). The combined use of furosemide and spironolactone occurred in all but 1 of the patients with hepatic ascites (92%), whereas in those with CHF the figure for the combined use of furosemide and spironolactone fell to 38% (p = 0.001). In 63% of the patients with ascites, the spironolactone dosage was changed in the first 48 hours of treatment. There was a high percentage of deaths (21%) in the study patients. Conclusions: Therapeutic strategy often does not follow the guidelines laid down in the standards of reference on diuretic use in serious CHF and/or ascites in this institution.

scholarly journals Direct-RT-qPCR Detection of SARS-CoV-2 without RNA Extraction as Part of a COVID-19 Testing Strategy: From Sample to Result in One Hour

Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Kriegova ◽  
Regina Fillerova ◽  
Petr Kvapil
Keyword(s):  
High Throughput Screening ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Rna Isolation ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Heat Inactivation

Due to the lack of protective immunity in the general population and the absence of effective antivirals and vaccines, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues in some countries, with local epicentres emerging in others. Due to the great demand for effective COVID-19 testing programmes to control the spread of the disease, we have suggested such a testing programme that includes a rapid RT-qPCR approach without RNA extraction. The Direct-One-Step-RT-qPCR (DIOS-RT-qPCR) assay detects severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in less than one hour while maintaining the high sensitivity and specificity required of diagnostic tools. This optimised protocol allows for the direct use of swab transfer media (14 μL) without the need for RNA extraction, achieving comparable sensitivity to the standard method that requires the time-consuming and costly step of RNA isolation. The limit of detection for DIOS-RT-qPCR was lower than seven copies/reaction, which translates to 550 virus copies/mL of swab. The speed, ease of use and low price of this assay make it suitable for high-throughput screening programmes. The use of fast enzymes allows RT-qPCR to be performed under standard laboratory conditions within one hour, making it a potential point-of-care solution on high-speed cycling instruments. This protocol also implements the heat inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 (75 °C for 10 min), which renders samples non-infectious, enabling testing in BSL-2 facilities. Moreover, we discuss the critical steps involved in developing tests for the rapid detection of COVID-19. Implementing rapid, easy, cost-effective methods can help control the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 infection.

scholarly journals Using simulation to educate police about mental illness: A collaborative initiative

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Stanyon ◽  
Bill Goodman ◽  
Marjory Whitehouse
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
The Impact

Mental illness is a major public health concern in Canada and also globally. According to the World Health Organization, five of the top ten disabilities worldwide are mental health disorders. Within Canada, one in five individuals is living with mental illness each year. Currently, there are 6.7 million Canadians living with mental illness and over 1 million Canadian youth living with mental illness. Police are frequently the first responders to situations in the community involving people with mental illness, and police services are increasingly aware of the need to provide officers with additional training and strategies for effectively interacting with these citizens.This study examined the effectiveness of four online, interactive video-based simulations designed to educate police officers about mental illness and strategies for interacting with people with mental illness. The simulations were created through the efforts of a unique partnership involving a police service, a mental health facility and two postsecondary institutions. Frontline police officers from Ontario were divided into one of three groups (simulation, face to face, control). Using a pre- and post-test questionnaire, the groups were compared on their level of knowledge and understanding of mental illness. In addition, focus groups explored the impact of the simulations on officers’ level of confidence in engaging with individuals with mental illness and officers’ perceptions of the simulations’ ease of use and level of realism. The study’s findings determined that the simulations were just as effective as face-to-face learning, and the officers reported the simulations were easy to use and reflected real-life scenarios they had encountered on the job. As mental health continues to be a major public concern, not only in Canada but also globally, interactive simulations may provide an effective and affordable education resource not only for police officers but for other professionals seeking increased knowledge and skills in interacting with citizens with mental illness.Keywords: policing, mental illness, education, computer-based simulation

scholarly journals Evaluation of the practicability of a finger-stick whole-blood SARS-Cov-2 self-test adapted for the general population

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245848
Author(s):  
Thierry Prazuck ◽  
Jean Phan Van ◽  
Florence Sinturel ◽  
Frederique Levray ◽  
Allan Elie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Real Life ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Life Study ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Finger Stick ◽  
Instructions For Use

Background COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus. Point of Care (POC) tests have been developed to detect specific antibodies, IgG and IgM, to SARS-CoV-2 virus in human whole blood. They need to be easily usable by the general population in order to alleviate the lockdown that many countries have initiated in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. A real-life study has been conducted in order to evaluate the performance of the COVID-PRESTO® POC test and the results were recently published. Even if this test showed very high sensitivity and specificity in a laboratory setting when used by trained professionals, it needs to be further evaluated for practicability when used by the general public in order to be approved by health authorities for in-home use. Methods 143 participants were recruited between March 2020 and April 2020 among non-medical populations in central France (nuclear plant workers, individuals attending the Orleans University Hospital vaccination clinic and Orleans University Hospital non-medical staff). Instructions for use, with or without a tutorial video, were made available to the volunteers. Two separate objectives were pursued: evaluation of the capability of participants to obtain an interpretable result, and evaluation of the users’ ability to read the results. Results 88.4% of the test users judged the instructions for use leaflet to be clear and understandable. 99.3% of the users obtained a valid result and, according to the supervisors, 92.7% of the tests were properly performed by the users. Overall, 95% of the users gave positive feedback on the COVID PRESTO® as a potential self-test. Neither age nor education had an influence. Conclusion COVID-PRESTO® was successfully used by an overwhelming majority of participants and its use was judged very satisfactory, therefore showing promising potential as a self-test to be used by the general population. This POC test can become an easy-to-use tool to help detect whether individuals are protected or not, particularly in the context of a second wave or a mass vaccination program.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Practicability of a Finger-Stick Whole-Blood SARS-Cov-2 Self-Test Adapted for the General Population.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
thierry prazuck ◽  
Jean Phan Van ◽  
Florence sinturel ◽  
frederique levray ◽  
Allan Elie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Real Life ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Life Study ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Finger Stick ◽  
Instructions For Use

Background COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) have been developed to detect specific antibodies, IgG and IgM, to SARS-CoV-2 virus in human whole blood and easily usable by the general population are needed in order to alleviate the lockdown that many countries have initiated in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. A real-life study has been conducted in order to evaluate the performance of the COVID-PRESTO RDT and the results have been submitted for publication and are currently under review. Even if this test showed very high sensitivity and specificity in a laboratory setting when used by trained professionals, it needs to be further evaluated for practicability when used by common folk in order to be approved by health authorities for in-home use Methods 142 participants were recruited between March 2020 and April 2020 among non-medical populations in central France (nuclear plants workers, individuals attending the Orleans University Hospital vaccination clinic and Orleans University Hospital non-medical staff). Instructions for use with or without a tutorial video was made available to the volunteers. Two separate objectives were pursued: evaluation of the capability of participants to obtain an interpretable result, and evaluation of the users ability to read the results. Results 88.4 % of the test users judged the instruction for use leaflet to be clear and understandable. 99.3 % of the users obtained a valid results and according to the supervisors 92.7% of the tests were properly performed by the user. Overall, 95% of the users gave positive feedback toward the COVID PRESTO as a potential self-test. No influence of age and education was observed. Conclusion COVID-PRESTO was successfully used by an overwhelming majority of participants and its utilization was judged very satisfactory, therefore showing a promising potential as a self-test to be used by the general population. This RDT can become an easy-to-use tool to help know whether individuals are protected or not, particularly in the perspective of a second wave or a mass vaccination program.

External validation of a suggested extension of the ESC 0/1h-algorithm for early rule out of myocardial infarction

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Lopez Ayala ◽  
T Nestelberger ◽  
I Strebel ◽  
P.D Ratmann ◽  
J Boeddinghaus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Troponin T ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
External Validation ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Absolute Change ◽  
The University ◽  
Rule Out

Abstract Background The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) high sensitivity cardiac troponin T 0/1h-algorithm has substantially improved the management of patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by triaging about 75% of patients to rapid rule-out and/or rapid rule-in. However, about 25% of patients remain in the “observe-zone”, and the optimal management of these patients is unknown. Recently, a pilot single center study with a low prevalence of AMI suggested that an absolute change of less than 7ng/L between the 0h and 3h hs-cTnT concentration would allow to help in the evaluation of patients in the observe-zone and allow triage towards rule-out with very high negative predictive value [NPV]. Purpose To externally validate this suggested modification of the ESC 0/1h-algorithm for early rule out of AMI. Methods In an ongoing multicentre international study, we prospectively enrolled unselected patients presenting to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of MI. Final diagnoses were centrally adjudicated by two independent cardiologists using all available medical records obtained during clinical care including 90 day follow-up information and cardiac imaging. High sensitivity-cTnT (Elecsys) concentrations were measured at presentation and after 1 and 3 hours. The primary outcome was safety, quantified by the sensitivity and NPV for early rule out of NSTEMI. Results Among 1633 enrolled patients with available 0, 1 and 3h hs-cTnT concentrations, NSTEMI was the adjudicated final diagnosis in 337 (20.6%) patients. The ESC 0/1h-algorithm ruled out 918 (56.2%) patients, with a sensitivity of 98.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 97.0–99.5) and a NPV of 99.6% (95% CI, 98.9–99.8). A total of 428 patients (26.2%) remained in the observe zone. After applying the suggested 0–3 hour absolute change cut-off criteria of 7ng/L, 393 (92.0%) additional patients from the observe zone were triaged towards ruled out. However, the safety of this triage step was poor with 62 patients with NSTEMI missed, resulting in a sensitivity of 33.3% and a NPV of 84.2% for rule-out. Conclusions The suggested 0/3h absolute change cut-off of 7ng/L for patients remaining in the observe zone of the ESC 0/1h-algorithm does NOT allow safe rule-out of AMI and should therefore NOT be implemented into routine clinical care. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Swiss National Science Foundation, the Swiss Heart Foundation, the Stiftung für kardiovaskuläre Forschung Basel, the University of Basel and the University Hospital Basel

scholarly journals Diagnostic Accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Detection Test in Children: A Real-Life Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camille Jung ◽  
Corinne Levy ◽  
Emmanuelle Varon ◽  
Sandra Biscardi ◽  
Christophe Batard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Life ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Life Study ◽  
Mean Delay ◽  
Positive Person ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Real Life Study ◽  
The University ◽  
Positive Groups

Naso-pharyngeal RT-PCR is the gold standard for the diagnosis of COVID-19, but there is a need for rapid and reliable tests. Some validation studies have used frozen aliquots mainly from adults. The aim of this real-life study was to test the performance of a SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test (SC2-RAT) in children. Symptomatic patients aged 0 to 17 years were recruited in the emergency department of the University Hospital of Creteil and in primary care pediatric practices from October 10, 2020 for 7 weeks. Each enrolled child had a SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test and a SC2-RAT from two distinct nasopharyngeal swabs. Among the 308 patients (mean [SD] age 4.9 [5.3] years), fever was the main symptom (73.4%), with no difference between COVID-19–negative and –positive groups. The prevalence of COVID-19 was 10.7% (95% CI 7.5–14.7). On the whole cohort, the sensitivity and specificity of the SC2-RAT compared to RT-PCR was 87.9% (95% CI 71.8–96.6) and 98.5% (95% CI 96.3–99.6). Considering samples with cycle threshold >25, the sensibility was lower: 63.6% (95% CI 30.8–89.1) and the specificity 99.6% (95% CI 98.0–100.0). The mean delay to obtain an SC2-RAT result was <15 min but was 3.2 h (SD 5.5) for an RT-PCR result. Contact with a COVID-19–positive person was more frequent for COVID-19–positive than –negative patients (n = 21, 61.6%, vs. n = 64, 24.6%; p < 0.01). In real life, SC2-RAT seems reliable for symptomatic children, allowing to detect contagious children.

Colorimetric optical nanosensors for trace explosive detection using metal nanoparticles: advances, pitfalls, and future perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwasesan Adegoke ◽  
Niamh Nic Daeid
Keyword(s):  
Metal Nanoparticles ◽  
Colorimetric Assay ◽  
Real Life ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Optical Signal ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Future Perspective ◽  
Explosive Detection ◽  
Explosive Sensor ◽  
Harsh Conditions

Warfare threats and acts of terror are challenging situations encountered by defense agencies across the globe and are of growing concern to the general public, and security-minded policy makers. Detecting ultra-low quantities of explosive compounds in remote locations or under harsh conditions for anti-terror purposes as well as the environmental monitoring of residual or discarded explosives in soil, remains a major challenge. The use of metal nanoparticles (NPs) for trace explosive detection has drawn considerable interest in recent years. For nano-based explosive sensor devices to meet real-life operational demands, analytical parameters such as, long-shelf life, stability under harsh conditions, ease-of-use, high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, and rapid signal response must be met. Generally, the analytical performance of colorimetric-based nanosensor systems is strongly dependent on the surface properties of the nanomaterial used in the colorimetric assay. The size and shape properties of metal NPs, surface functionalisation efficiency, and assay fabrication methods, are factors that influence the efficacy of colorimetric explosive nanosensor systems. This review reports on the design and analytical performances of colorimetric explosive sensor systems using metal NPs as optical signal transducers. The challenges of trace explosive detection, advances in metal NP colorimetric explosive design, limitations of each methods, and possible strategies to mitigate the problems are discussed.

scholarly journals Saccharated ferric oxide attenuates haematopoietic response induced by epoetin beta pegol in patients undergoing haemodialysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takahide Iwasaki ◽  
Akira Fujimori ◽  
Takeshi Nakanishi ◽  
Shioko Okada ◽  
Nobuto Hanawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ferric Oxide ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Renal Anaemia ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Epoetin Beta Pegol ◽  
Epoetin Beta ◽  
The University

Abstract Background Decreased erythropoietin levels and impaired iron metabolism due to excessive hepcidin levels are responsible for renal anaemia in patients undergoing haemodialysis. Recently, erythroferrone (ERFE) has been identified as a factor that regulates hepcidin. In addition, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), which has been recognized as a phosphorus-regulating hormone, appears to be involved in haematopoietic regulation. Clarification of the detailed mechanism of haematopoiesis could lead to the improvement of renal anaemia treatment. Methods Epoetin beta pegol (CERA) was administered to patients undergoing haemodialysis at week 0, and the same amount of CERA with saccharated ferric oxide (SFO) was administered at week 4. The changes in haematopoiesis-related biomarkers, including ERFE, intact FGF23 (iFGF23), C-terminal FGF23 (cFGF23), and inflammatory markers, were examined. Results Administration of CERA increased ERFE levels, decreased hepcidin levels, and stimulated iron usage for haematopoiesis, leading to an increase in reticulocytes (Ret) and haemoglobin (Hb). Simultaneous administration of SFO with CERA (CERA + SFO) significantly attenuated the responses of ERFE, Ret, and Hb compared with CERA alone. Although iFGF23 levels were not affected by either CERA or CERA + SFO, cFGF23 was significantly elevated from baseline after CERA. Since cFGF23 levels were not affected by CERA + SFO, cFGF23 levels after CERA + SFO were significantly lower than those after CERA alone. The ratio of iFGF23 to cFGF23 (i/cFGF23 ratio) was significantly higher after CERA + SFO than that after CERA alone. In addition, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were significantly higher after CERA + SFO than after CERA alone. Conclusion Administration of SFO suppressed haematopoietic responses induced by CERA. Elevation of i/cFGF23 ratio and hsCRP could account for the inhibitory effects of SFO on haematopoiesis. Trial registration This study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (ID UMIN000016552).

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