June 1, 2020

Performance of Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 Rapid Nucleic Acid Amplification Test in Nasopharyngeal Swabs Transported in Viral Media and Dry Nasal Swabs, in a New York City Academic Institution

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Testing and Treatment

• Basu et al. evaluated the performance of the recently–released Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 assay for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection with the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2. They found that the ID NOW assay has utility as a rapid rule-in test for COVID-19 with samples at high viral load; however, an overall low positive percent agreement (55%-67%) of ID NOW with Xpert Xpress raises concerns regarding its suitability as a diagnostic tool in samples with lower viral loads. 

Basu et al. (May 29, 2020). Performance of Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 Rapid Nucleic Acid Amplification Test in Nasopharyngeal Swabs Transported in Viral Media and Dry Nasal Swabs, in a New York City Academic Institution. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.01136-20