Background

Rapid tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 are attractive options due to their simplicity, speed and cost-effectiveness; but they have different degrees of sensitivity and diagnostic specificity.

Objective

to evaluate the analytical performance of rapid tests to detect IgG/IgM antibodies against COVID-19.

Methods

descriptive study, carried out with patients admitted to the Héroes de Playa Girón Specialized Ambulatory Center, in Cienfuegos, with a presumptive, probable or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 during two periods of time. All of them underwent a rapid test to detect anti-COVID-19 antibodies, in addition to a confirmatory molecular biology test. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, predictive values, and rapid test efficiency were calculated within a 95% confidence interval.

Results

excellent specificity (98.75%) and regular sensitivity (54.54%) were obtained, as well as good predictive values and overall diagnostic efficiency.

Conclusion

The rapid anti-COVID-19 tests evaluated showed adequate diagnostic performance. They constitute an affordable and valuable diagnostic alternative to assess previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Its clinical use is restricted to certain medical situations; however, they constitute a useful epidemiological tool.

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