Challenges associated with using cycle threshold (Ct) value of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as a criteria for infectiousness of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in India

Jamal, Saad Ahmed; Farooq, Mir Umar; Bidari, V. B.

doi:10.1017/ice.2021.357

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Furthermore, CT value thresholds may differ between various commercial kits. However, CT values are widely reported and utilized in studies of RAT accuracy and correlate well with RAT accuracy ( 8 , 9 , 22 , 23 ). The participant cohort was confined to English- and Spanish-speaking adults using Abbott BinaxNOW rapid antigen self-test kits exclusively.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Self-administered versus clinician-performed BinaxNOW COVID rapid test: a comparison of accuracy

Vaeth,

Cheema,

Omer

et al. 2024

Microbiol Spectr

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Accurate and accessible COVID-19 testing is crucial for effective disease control and management. A recent single-center study conducted in Baltimore City examined the reliability of self-performed rapid antigen tests (RATs) for COVID-19. The study found that self-administered RATs yielded similar sensitivity and specificity to clinician-performed tests, demonstrating their comparable accuracy. These findings hold significant implications for physicians relying on patient-reported positive test results for treatment decisions. The study provides robust evidence supporting the reliability and utility of patient-performed RATs, endorsing their continued use in managing COVID-19. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for further research using different rapid antigen test brands to enhance generalizability. Ensuring affordable and widespread access to self-tests is crucial, particularly in preparation for future respiratory virus seasons and potential waves of reinfection of SARS-CoV-2 variants such as the Omicron variant.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Self-administered versus clinician-performed BinaxNOW COVID rapid test: a comparison of accuracy

Vaeth,

Cheema,

Omer

et al. 2024

Microbiol Spectr

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Sciensano recommended evaluating patient contagiousness according to the number of RNA copies/ml extrapolated from the Ct value measured on suspension from nasopharyngeal swabs [ 13 ]. Nevertheless, several authors questioned this method since the quality of this sample is highly dependent on the ability of the operator and the tolerance of the patient [ 14 , 15 ]. We observed higher Ct values in extreme age groups.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relevance of Cycle Threshold Values in Mass Screening by Reverse-Transcription-PCR During COVID-19 Pandemic in Belgium: A Decision-Making Support?

et al. 2022

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Aim: The Belgium’s strategy against COVID-19 was partly based on mass screening. Here, we reported the results observed in a Belgian mass screening center. Materials & methods: Between October 2020 and February 2021, 32,089 samples were collected analyzed with reverse-transcription PCR (Thermo Fisher Scientific kits and apparatus). Patients were categorized according to their contagiousness (extrapolated from the cycle threshold [Ct] values and the recommendation of Sciensano). Results: We observed association between Ct values and age, with higher Ct observed in extreme age groups (<6 years and >75 years). Conclusion: The analysis of the evolution of the contagiousness of these patients tested twice within a 7-day period showed the relevancy of the recommendation edited by Sciensano.

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“…The number of copy amplification cycles recorded by RT-PCR is the cycle threshold (Ct) value, and the critical level for Ct value for RT-PCR is generally set at 37 to 40 globally and results greater than the critical value are considered negative. 9 The Ct value threshold for RT-PCR varies from laboratory to laboratory due to differences in population, geography, instrumentation, and reagents. The Ct value is widely used as a semi-quantitative indicator of SARS-CoV-2 viral load; a lower Ct value corresponds to higher severity of the disease.…”

Section: Nucleic Acid Testingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Combined Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2: Rapid Antigen Detection as an Adjunct to Nucleic Acid Detection

Wang

Pan

et al. 2022

Laboratory Medicine

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Coronavirus disease 2019 is a serious threat to human life, and early diagnosis and screening can help control the COVID-19 pandemic. The high sensitivity of reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay is the gold standard for the diagnosis of COVID-19, but there are still some false-negative results. Rapid antigen detection (RAD) is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a screening method for COVID-19. This review analyzed the characteristics of RDT and found that although the overall sensitivity of RAD was not as high as that of RT-PCR, but RAD was more sensitive in COVID-19 patients within 5 days of the onset of symptoms and in COVID-19 patients with Ct ≤ 25. Therefore, RAD can be used as an adjunct to RT-PCR for screening patients with early COVID-19. Finally, this review provides a combined diagnostic protocol for RAD and nucleic acid testing with the aim of providing a feasible approach for COVID-19 screening.

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Challenges associated with using cycle threshold (Ct) value of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as a criteria for infectiousness of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in India

Abstract: Challenges associated with using cycle threshold (Ct) value of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as a criteria for infectiousness of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in India.

Cited by 6 publications

References 7 publications

Self-administered versus clinician-performed BinaxNOW COVID rapid test: a comparison of accuracy

Self-administered versus clinician-performed BinaxNOW COVID rapid test: a comparison of accuracy

Relevance of Cycle Threshold Values in Mass Screening by Reverse-Transcription-PCR During COVID-19 Pandemic in Belgium: A Decision-Making Support?

Combined Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2: Rapid Antigen Detection as an Adjunct to Nucleic Acid Detection

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