BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card CLSI

BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card

Part Number #195-000 (40 Test Kit) Laboratory Procedure

This procedure is intended to provide a ready outline reference for performance of the assay. These abbreviated directions for use are not intended to replace the complete package insert.

Any modifications to this document are the sole responsibility of the Facility.

For Use Under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Only For use with nasal swab specimens For in vitro Use Only Rx Only

1. Intended Use

The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card is a lateral flow immunoassay intended for the qualitative detection of nucleocapsid protein antigen from SARS- CoV-2 in direct nasal swabs from individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first seven days of symptom onset. Testing is limited to laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), 42 U.S.C. §263a, that meet the requirements to perform moderate, high or waived complexity tests. This test is authorized for use at the Point of Care POC), i.e., in patient care settings operating under a CLIA Certificate of Waiver, Certificate of Compliance, or Certificate of Accreditation.
The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card does not differentiate between SARS- CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Results are for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein antigen. Antigen is generally detectable in nasal swabs during the acute phase of infection. Positive results indicate the presence
of viral antigens, but clinical correlation with patient history and other diagnostic information is necessary to determine infection status. Positive results do not rule out bacterial infection or coinfection with other viruses. The agent detected may not be the definite cause of disease. Laboratories within the United States and its territories are required to report all positive results to the appropriate public health authorities.
Negative results from patients with symptom onset beyond seven days, should be treated as presumptive and confirmation with a molecular assay, if necessary, for patient management, may
be performed. Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions.

Negative results should be considered in the context of a patient’s recent exposures, history and the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card is intended for use by medical professionals or trained operators who are proficient in performing rapid lateral flow tests. BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card is only for use under the Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization.

2. Summary and Explanation of the Test

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. SARS-CoV2 is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus of the β genus. The virus can cause mild to severe respiratory illness and has spread globally, including the United States.
BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card is a rapid lateral flow immunoassay for the qualitative detection and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 directly from nasal swabs, without viral transport media.
The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card kit contains all components required to carry out an assay for SARS-CoV-2.

3. Principles of the Procedure

The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card is an chromatography membrane assay that uses highly sensitive antibodies to detect SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein from nasal swab specimens.
SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies and a control antibody are immobilized onto a membrane support as two distinct lines and combined with other reagents/pads to construct a test strip. This test strip and a well to hold the swab specimen are mounted on opposite sides of a cardboard, book-shaped hinged test card.
To perform the test, a nasal swab specimen is collected from the patient, 6 drops of extraction reagent from a dropper bottle are added to the top hole of the swab well. The patient sample is
inserted into the test card through the bottom hole of the swab well, and firmly pushed upwards until the swab tip is visible through the top hole. The swab is rotated 3 times clockwise and the
card is closed, bringing the extracted sample into contact with the test strip. Test results are interpreted visually at 15 minutes based on the presence or absence of visually detectable
pink/purple colored lines. Results should not be read after 30 minutes.

4. Reagents and Materials

Materials Provide

Materials Recommended But Not Provided

• Clock, timer or stopwatch

Materials Available as on Optional Accessory Item

• Swab Transport Tube Accessory Pack

5. Precautions

1. For in vitro diagnostic use.
2.  This test has not been FDA cleared or approved; this test has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), 42 U.S.C. §263a, to perform moderate, high, or waived complexity tests and at the Point of Care (POC), i.e., in patient care settings operating under a LIA Certificate of Waiver, Certificate of Compliance, or Certificate of Accreditation.
3. Federal Law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a licensed practitioner (US only).
4. This test has been authorized only for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen, not for any other viruses or pathogens.
5. This test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostic tests for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.
6. Laboratories within the United States and its territories are required to report all positive results to the appropriate public health laboratories.
7. Treat all specimens as potentially infectious. Follow universal precautions when handling samples, this kit and its contents.
8. Proper sample collection, storage and transport are essential for correct results.
9. Leave test card sealed in its foil pouch until just before use. Do not use if pouch is damaged or open.
10. Do not use kit past its expiration date.
11. Do not mix components from different kit lots.
12. Do not reuse the used test card.
13. Inadequate or inappropriate sample collection, storage, and ransport may yield false test results.
14. Do not store specimens in viral transport media for specimen storage.
15. All components of this kit should be discarded as Biohazard waste according to Federal, State and local regulatory requirements.
16. Solutions used to make the positive control swab are non-infectious. However, patient samples, controls, and test cards should be handled as though they could transmit disease. Observe established precautions against microbial hazards during use and disposal.
17. Wear appropriate personal protection equipment and gloves when running each test and handling patient specimens. Change gloves between handling of specimens suspected of COVID19.
18. INVALID RESULTS can occur when an insufficient volume of extraction reagent is added to the test card. To ensure delivery of adequate volume, hold vial vertically, 1/2 inch above the swab well, and add drops slowly.
19. False Negative results can occur if the sample swab is not rotated (twirled) prior to closing the ard.
20. Swabs in the kit are approved for use with BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card.Do not use other swabs.
21. The Extraction Reagent packaged in this kit contains saline, detergents and preservatives thatwill inactivate cells and virus particles. Samples eluted in this solution are not suitable for culture.
22. Do not store the swab after specimen collection in the original paper packaging, if storage is needed use a plastic tube with cap.

6. Storage and Stability

Store kit at 2-30°C. The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card kit is stable until the expiration date marked on the outer packaging and containers. Ensure all test components are at room temperature before use.

7. Quality Control

BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card has built-in procedural controls. For daily quality control, Abbott suggests that you record these controls for each test run.

Procedural Controls:
A. The pink-to-purple line at the “Control” position is an internal procedural control. If the test
flows and the reagents work, this line will always appear.
B. The clearing of background color from the result window is a negative background control.
The background color in the window should be light pink to white within 15 minutes.
Background color should not hinder reading of the test.
External Positive and Negative Controls:
Good laboratory practice suggests the use of positive and negative controls to ensure that test reagents are working and that the test is correctly performed. BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card kits
contain a Positive Control Swab and Sterile Swabs that can be used as a Negative Control Swab. These swabs will monitor the entire assay. Test these swabs once with each new shipment received
and once for each untrained operator. Further controls may be tested in order to conform with local, state and/or federal regulations, accrediting groups, or your lab’s standard Quality Control
procedures.
If the correct control results are not obtained, do not perform patient tests or report patient results.
Contact Technical Support during normal business hours before testing patient specimens.

8. Specimen Collection & Handling

Test specimens immediately after collection for optimal test performance. Inadequate specimen collection or improper sample handling/storage/ transport may yield erroneous results. Refer to the
CDC Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- nCoV/lab/guidelinesclinical- specimens.html Nasal Swab
Only the swab provided in the kit is to be used for nasal swab collection.To collect a nasal swab sample, carefully insert the swab into the nostril exhibiting the most visible drainage, or the nostril that is most congested if drainage is not visible. Using gentle rotation, push the swab until resistance is met at the level of the turbinates (less than one inch into the nostril). Rotate the swab 5 times or more against the nasal wall then slowly remove from the nostril. Using the same swab, repeat sample collection in the other nostril.

9. Specimen Transport and Storage

Do not return the nasal swab to the original paper packaging.
For best performance, direct nasal swabs should be tested as soon as possible after collection. If immediate testing is not possible, and to maintain best performance and avoid possible contamination, it is highly recommended the nasal swab is placed in a clean, unused plastic tube labeled with patient information, preserving sample integrity, and capped tightly at room temperature (15-30°C) for up to (1) hour prior to testing. Ensure the swab fits securely within the
tube and the cap is tightly closed. If greater than 1-hour delay occurs, dispose of sample. A new sample must be collected for testing.

10. Test Procedure

Procedure for Patient Specimens

Open the test card just prior to use, lay it flat, and perform assay as follows. The test card must be flat when performing testing, do not perform testing with the test card in any other position.

1. Hold Extraction Reagent bottle vertically. Hovering 1/2 inch
   above the TOP HOLE, slowly add 6 DROPS to the TOP HOLE of the swab well. DO NOT touch the card with the dropper tip while dispensing.

2. Insert sample into BOTTOM HOLE and firmly push upwards so
that the swab tip is visible in the TOP HOLE.
3. Rotate (twirl) swab shaft 3 times CLOCKWISE (to the right). Do
not remove swab.

Note: False negative results can occur if the sample swab is not
rotated (twirled) prior to closing the card.

4. Peel off adhesive liner from the right edge of the test card.
Close and securely seal the card. Read result in the window 15
minutes after closing the card. In order to ensure proper test
performance, it is important to read the result promptly at 15
minutes, and not before. Results should not be read after 30
minutes.

Note: When reading test results, tilt the card to reduce glare on
the result window if necessary. Individuals with color-impaired
vision may not be able to adequately interpret test results.

Procedure for BinaxNOW™ Swab Control

Open the test card just prior to use, lay it flat, and perform assay as follows.

1.  Hold Extraction Reagent bottle vertically Hovering 1/2 inch
   above the TOP HOLE, slowly add 8 DROPS to the TOP HOLE of the swab well. DO NOT touch the card with the dropper tip while dispensing.

2. Follow Steps 2 – 4 of the Test Procedure for Patient Specimens.

11. Result Interpretation

Note: In an untested BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card there will be a blue line present at the Control Line position. In a valid, tested device, the blue line washes away and a pink/purple line appears, confirming that the sample has flowed through the test strip and the reagents are working. If the blue line is not present at the Control Line position prior to running the test, do not use and discard the test card.

Negative

A negative specimen will give a single pink/purple colored
Control Line in the top half of the window, indicating a negative result. This Control Line means that the detection part of the test was done correctly, but no COVID-19 antigen was detected.

Positive

A positive specimen will give two pink/ purple colored lines. This means that COVID-19 antigen was detected. Specimens with low levels of antigen may give a faint Sample Line. Any visible pink/ purple colored line is positive.

Invalid

If no lines are seen, if just the Sample Line is seen, or the
Blue Control Line remains blue, the assay is invalid. Invalid
tests should be repeated.

12. Limitations

• • This test detects both viable (live) and non-viable, SARS-CoV and SARS- CoV-2. Test performance depends on the amount of virus (antigen) in the sample and may or may not
  correlate with viral culture results performed on the same sample.

• A negative test result may occur if the level of antigen in a sample is below the detection limit of the test.

• The performance of the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card was evaluated using the procedures provided in this product insert only. Modifications to these procedures may alter the
  performance of the test.

• False negative results may occur if a specimen is improperly collected, transported, or handled.

• False results may occur if specimens are tested past 1 hour of collection. Specimens should be tested as quickly as possible after specimen collection.

• False negative results may occur if inadequate extraction buffer is used (e.g., <6 drops).

• False negative results may occur if specimen swabs are not wirled within the test card.

• False negative results may occur if swabs are stored in their paper sheath after specimen collection.

• Positive test results do not rule out co-infections with other pathogens.

• Positive test results do not differentiate between SARS-CoV and SARS- CoV-2.

• Negative test results are not intended to rule in other non-SARS viral or bacterial infections.

• The presence of mupirocin may interfere with the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag test and may cause false negative results.

• Negative results, from patients with symptom onset beyond seven days, should be treated as presumptive and confirmation with a molecular assay, if necessary, for patient management,
  may be performed.

• If the differentiation of specific SARS viruses and strains is needed, additional testing, in consultation with state or local public health departments, is required.

Conditions of Authorization for Laboratory and Patient Care Settings

The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Letter of Authorization, along with the authorized Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers, the authorized Fact Sheet for Patients, and authorized labeling are available on the FDA website: https://www. fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19- emergency-use- authorizations-medical-devices/vitro-diagnostics-euas.
However, to assist clinical laboratories using the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card, the relevant Conditions of Authorization are listed below:

• Authorized laboratories using your product will use your product as outlined in the “BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card” Instructions for Use. Deviations from the authorized procedures, including the authorized instruments, authorized linical specimen types, authorized control materials, authorized other ancillary reagents and authorized materials required to use your product are not permitted.

• Authorized laboratories that receive your product will notify the relevant public health authorities of their intent to run your product prior to initiating testing.

• Authorized laboratories using your product will have a process in place for reporting test results to healthcare providers and relevant public health authorities, as appropriate.

• Authorized laboratories will collect information on the performance of your product and report to DMD/OHT7-OIR/OPEQ/CDRH (via email: CDRH-EUA eporting@fda.hhs.gov) and Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough, Inc. (via email: ts.scr@abbott.com, or via phone by contacting Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough, Inc. Technical Service at 1-800-257- 9525 any suspected occurrence of false positive or false negative results and significant deviations from the established performance characteristics of your product of which they become aware.

• All operators using your product must be appropriately trained in performing and interpreting the results of your product, use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling this
  kit, and use your product in accordance with the authorized labeling.

• Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough, Inc., authorized distributors, and authorized laboratories and patient care settings using your product will ensure that any records associated with this EUA
  are maintained until otherwise notified by FDA. Such records will be made available to FDA for inspection upon request.

1 The letter of authorization refers to, “Laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), 42 U.S.C. §263a, that meet the requirements to perform
high, moderate, or waived complexity tests. This test is authorized for use at the Point of Care (POC), i.e., in patient care settings operating under a CLIA Certificate of Waiver, Certificate of Compliance, or Certificate of Accreditation.” as “authorized laboratories.”

13. Performance Characteristics

Clinical Performance
Clinical performance characteristics of BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card was evaluated in a multi-site prospective study in the U.S in which patients were sequentially enrolled and tested. A total of
seven (7) investigational sites throughout the U.S. participated in the study. Testing was performed by operators with no laboratory experience and who are representative of the intended users at
CLIA waived testing sites. In this study testing was conducted by thirty-two (32) intended users. No training on the use of the test was provided to the operators. To be enrolled in the study, patients
had to be presenting at the participating study centers with suspected COVID-19. Patients who presented within 7 days of symptom onset were included in the initial primary analysis, as only
seven asymptomatic patients were enrolled.

Of the seven asymptomatic patients, only two patients were positive for SARS- CoV-2. Two nasal swabs were collected from patients and tested using the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card at all study sites. An FDA Emergency Use Authorized real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) assay for the detection of SARS- CoV-2 was utilized as the comparator method for this study.

At all sites, one nasal swab was tested directly in the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card test according to product instructions and the other swab was eluted in viral transport media (VTM). Swabs were
randomly assigned to testing with the BinaxNOW™ or RT-PCR testing and were tested by minimally trained operators who were blinded to the RT-PCR test result. All sites shipped the VTM sample to a central testing laboratory for RT-PCR.
External control testing, using BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Positive and Negative Controls, was performed prior to sample testing each day, at all study sites.
The performance of BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card was established with 102 nasal swabs collected from individual symptomatic patients (within 7 days of onset) who were suspected of COVID-19.

BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Performance against the Comparator Method

Patient Demographics
Patient demographics (gender, age, time elapsed since onset of symptoms) are available for the 102 samples used in the analysis. The table below shows the positive results broken down by age of the patient:

Positive results broken down by days since symptom onset:

The following data is provided for informational purposes:
The performance of BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card with positive results stratified by the comparator method cycle threshold (Ct) counts were collected and assessed to better understand
the correlation of assay performance to the cycle threshold, estimating the viral titer present in the clinical sample. As presented in the table below, the positive agreement of the BinaxNOW™ COVID19 Ag Card is higher with samples of a Ct count <33.

BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Performance against the Comparator Method –

by Cycle Threshold Counts

A limited cohort of patients who presented with symptom onset greater than seven days were enrolled in the clinical study (n = 28). Although the sample size was relatively small, the positive agreement in this cohort was 75% (9/12) and negative agreement was 92% (11/12). Therefore, negative results in patients with symptom onset greater than seven days should be treated as presumptive and confirmed with a molecular assay if needed for clinical management.

Analytical Performance:

Limit of Detection (Analytical Sensitivity)
BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card limit of detection (LOD) was determined by evaluating different concentrations of heat inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus. Presumed negative natural nasal swab specimens were eluted in PBS. Swab eluates were combined and mixed thoroughly to create a clinical matrix pool to be used
as the diluent. Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus was diluted in this natural nasal swab matrix pool to generate virus dilutions for testing.
Contrived nasal swab samples were prepared by absorbing 20 microliters of each virus dilution onto the swab. The contrived swab samples were tested according to the test procedure.
The LOD was determined as the lowest virus concentration that was detected ≥ 95% of the time (i.e., concentration at which at least 19 out of 20 replicates tested positive).
The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card LOD in natural nasal swab matrix was confirmed as 22.5 TCID50/swab.

Limit of Detection (LoD) Study Results

Cross Reactivity (Analytical Specificity) and Microbial Interference

Cross reactivity and potential interference of BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card was evaluated by testing 37 commensal and pathogenic microorganisms (8 bacteria, 14 viruses, 1 yeast and pooled human nasal wash) that may be present in the nasal cavity. Each of the organism, viruses, and yeast were tested in triplicate in the absence or presence of heat inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus (45 TCID50/swab). No crossreactivity or interference was seen with the following microorganisms when tested at the concentration presented in the table below.

To estimate the likelihood of cross-reactivity with SARS-CoV-2 virus in the presence of organisms that were not available for wet testing, In silico analysis using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) managed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) was used to assess the degree of protein sequence homology.

• For P. jirovecii one area of sequence similarity shows 45% homology across 18% of the sequence, making cross-reactivity in the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card highly unlikely.
• No protein sequence homology was found between M. tuberculosis, and thus homology-based cross-reactivity can be ruled out.
• The comparison between SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, MERS-CoV and human coronavirus HKU1 revealed that cross-reactivity cannot be ruled out. Homology for KHU1 and MERS-CoV is relatively low, at 37.8% across 95% of the sequence and 57.14% across 87% of the sequence, respectively.

High Dose Hook Effect
No high dose hook effect was observed when tested with up to a concentration of 1.6 x 105 TCID50/mL of heat inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus with the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card.
Endogenous Interfering Substances
The following substances, naturally present in respiratory specimens or that may be artificially introduced into the nasal cavity or nasopharynx, were evaluated with the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card at the concentrations listed below and were found not to affect test performance

1 Testing demonstrated false negative results at concentrations of 5 mg/mL (0.5% w/v). Standard dose of nasal ointment: 20 mg (2% w/w) of mupirocin in single-use 1-gram tubes.

Ordering and Contact Information

Reorder numbers:

195-000: BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card (40 Tests)
195-080: BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Control Swab Kit
190-010: Swab Transport Tube Accessory Pack
US + 1 877 441 7440
Technical Support Advice Line
Further information can be obtained by contacting Technical Support on:
US
+ 1 800 257 9525 ts.scr@abbott.com
Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough, Inc.
10 Southgate Road
Scarborough, Maine 04074 USA
www.globalpointofcare.abbott

Test Procedure Approval and Review Sheet

PREPARED BY:
DATE:
SUPERVISOR REVIEW:
DATE:
LABORATORY DIRECTOR OR
DESIGNEE APPROVAL:
IMPLEMENTATION DATE:
SUPERSEDES PROCEDURE
DATED:

DATE PROCEDURE RETIRED:

Method Comparison Study for BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card

Confirming BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Performance Using
Patient Samples

1. Regulatory Background
   The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card (195.000) does not require verification per the package insert/manufacturer recommendations, but some facilities may choose to complete.
   This protocol should be followed as directed when performing a method comparison study of BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card using patient samples.

2. Objective
   The primary objective of this study is to estimate the positive percent agreement and negative percent agreement of the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card against the comparator method, in patients suspected of COVID-19 infection using healthcare worker-collected nasal swabs specimens tested directly (i.e. without dilution in viral transport media).

3. Study Population
   Inclusion Criteria:

• Test direct nasal swabs from individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first seven days of symptom onset.
• Select study sites with a good positivity rate and/or where clinicians are experienced in the diagnosis of COVID-19 (as good clinical sensitivity will increase the prevalence in the
  sample of patients) so that the study can be completed in a timely fashion.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Do not try to find previously positive patients to quickly obtain positive samples.
• Subjects with active nose bleeds or acute facial injuries/trauma.

4. Sample Size
Generally, 20 samples (10 positive and 10 negative) are a minimum requirement1 , but low positivity rates can drive this number up. Please contact your inspecting agency (CAP, COLA, TJC,
or State) for current requirements. The depth of the verification study is determined by the laboratory director.
5. Recommendations on Study Design and Personnel Training
Study design and parameters should be established in order to ensure the proper training for healthcare staff on sample collection, handling, transport, and storage. Abbott Technical Consultants are available to assist with study design in addition to providing sample collection and end-user training (if facility staff is unable).

Two (2) patient swabs must be taken at the same time. One swab will be tested directly using the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card immediately after collection. The other swab will be tested
on the chosen comparator method. Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, this swab will likely need to be put into transport media and transported to the lab. If verifications will be
conducted at multiple locations, the study design should be reviewed to gain insight from all participating sites.
During study design, it is important to consider the order of collection. For the best study comparison, nasal swabs should be tested by both the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card and the
comparator method. The study design should randomize the sequence of collection for each paired swab collected from a patient as assay performance can be impacted by unequal viral distribution due to differences in sample concentration.
Randomization of collection can ensure that this factor does not impact performance of the two methods. For instance, from Patient 1 the first paired swab should be tested on the BinaxNOW™
COVID-19 Ag Card and the second on the comparator method. For Patient 2 the first paired swab should be tested on the comparator method and the second on the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19
Ag Card.
These factors are critical components to ensure optimal study design. However, depending on specific situations other factors may also be critical to take into consideration. To ensure optimal
study design, Abbott Technical Consultants are available to assist.

6. Sample Collection, Handling, and Storage
As with any diagnostic test, the quality of sample collection, handling and storage are critical to assay performance. Freshly collected specimens should be used for optimal performance. Refer
to the CDC Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
nCoV/lab/guidelines-clinical-specimens.html. Two (2) paired swabs should be freshly collected in succession by a healthcare worker. The recommended procedures for collecting nasal swabs are provided below. Direct nasal should be tested as soon as possible after collection. If immediate testing is not possible the nasal swab
should be placed in a clean, unused plastic tube and capped tightly at room temperature (15- 30°C) for up to 1 hour prior to testing.
6.1 Nasal Swab Specimen Collection

With the first swab, use gentle rotation to push the swab into the right nostril until resistance is met at the level of the turbinates (less than one inch into the nostril). Rotate the swab five times
against the nasal wall then slowly remove from the nostril. Using the second swab, conduct sample collection in the left nostril.
With the second swab, use gentle rotation to push the swab into the right nostril until resistance is met at the level of the turbinates (less than one inch into the nostril). Rotate the  17 120007069 v04 12/20 BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card swab five times against the nasal wall then slowly remove from the nostril. Using the first swab, repeat sample collection in the left nostril.
Cross over collection allows for equal loading of both swabs. Swab randomization accounts for difference in viral load between the left and right nostril.

Nasal Swab Specimen Collection2

7. Comparator Testing

A comparator method should be selected for which study staff are trained and the same sample type can be evaluated as selected BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card. As all products have specific
requirements, study design should consider the specific product package insert to optimize performance of both test methods. Quality and procedural controls should be followed as recommended by the specific product manufacturer and package insert.
8. Data Analysis
It is recommended that statistical analysis for positive percent agreement (PPA), negative percent agreement (NPA), and overall percent agreement are used to analyze and report study
data. An example of how to calculate and present the study results is shown below.
2 x 2 Contingency Table When Using a Comparative Method

BinaxNOW™
COVID-19 Ag Card
Comparative Method

Percent positive agreement (candidate method) = 100 x a / (a + c)
Percent negative agreement (candidate method) = 100 x d / (b + d)
Overall percent agreement = 100 x ( a + d) / n

9. BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Test Procedure4
Refer to the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card product insert.

If you have any questions or require further assistance on the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card, please contact Abbott Technical Support at: 800-257-9525 ts.scr.@abbott.com 1CAP All Common Checklist 09172019 COM.40350 2Clinical Evaluation of the Investigational ID NOW™ COVID-19 Assay. Protocol Number: 2012601. Original (Version 1): 16 June 2020 Version 2: 01 July 2020 3CLSI EP12-A2:2008 User Protocol for Evaluation of Qualitative Test Performance, 2nd Edition. Jan 2008 Vol 28 (3). ISBN 1-56238-654-9 ISSN 0273-3099 4BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Part Number # 195.000 Test Kit Laboratory Procedure

BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Verification Form

ACCOUNT NAME:_
ADDRESS:__
TELEPHONE:_____
BINAXNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card LOT /EXP:__
DATE:_____

SUPERVISOR SIGNATURE:____

Record the results from reference specimens below.
Record the Sample #, the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card results, Tester’s Initials, and any comments. After the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card results have been recorded (positive or negative) then record the Expected Results (positive or negative).

BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Verification Form (Continued)

REVIEW:___ DATE:__
LABORATORY DIRECTOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL FOR CLINICAL USE:____
DATE:____

BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card External Quality Control Log

Abbott recommends that external positive and negative controls be run:
-Once with each new shipment received
-Once for each untrained operator
-When required by local, state, and/or federal regulations, accrediting groups, or your lab’s Quality Control procedures
If the expected external control results are not obtained, do not report patient results. Contact Technical Service at 800-257-9525.

REVIEWED BY: ____ DATE: ____

BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Internal Controls and Patient Record

LOT NUMBER EXP._____ DATE NAME OF__ FACILITY____

Record the Date, Patient’s Name, Patient Test Result, Internal Control Results and the tester’s initials.
Positive Internal Control = The pink-to-purple line at the “Control” position can be considered an internal positive procedural control.
Negative Internal Control = The background color in the window should be light pink to white within 15 minutes.

REVIEWED BY: ____ DATE: ____

Quality Assessment Review Form and Checklist

Corrective Action Form

TECHNOLOGIST:____ DATE:

SUPERVISOR:____ DATE:_____

LABORATORY DIRECTOR:____ DATE:_____

Temperature Log

EQUIPMENT: ____
NAME OF FACILITY:

TO BE RECORDED AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH WORKDAY. TEMPERATURE RANGE: ___

Tips for Successful Proficiency Testing (PT) Performance

• Strictly follow the PT provider’s storage or handling requirement before testing PT specimens.
• Analyze PT specimens within the time frame provided by the PT provider.
• Contact the PT provider promptly when specimens are received damaged. You may be able to receive a replacement immediately.
• Avoid clerical error when filling out PT answer sheets. Be sure to enter the correct result next to the correct analyte on the answer form.
• Remember to identify the instrument or method you are using to perform your PT so you are graded among your peer group.
• Make copies of all answer forms before submitting them to your PT provider.
• Please contact Technical Support at 800-257-9525 or ts.scr@abbott.com for further information on proficiency providers

BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card – Training Checklist

FACILITY/LABORATORY:____
USER NAME: ____ USER ID:____

USER SIGNATURE___
DATE_
TRAINER SIGNATURE__
DATE ___

Certification of Training

This is to verify that personnel responsible for running the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card at
_____ have been thoroughly in-serviced on the test and the test procedure.
This has included:

• Review of the package insert
• Demonstration of the product assay
• Successful performance of the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card and
  interpretation of results

Names of the personnel who have been trained with the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card and are responsible for reporting patient results:

Signature of Laboratory Director(s) responsible for personnel and testing:

SIGNATURE____ DATE:

SIGNATURE____ DATE:

TRAINER___ DATE:_

Testing Personnel Training Assessment

Test Method: BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card

(Attach all supporting documents)

EVALUATOR:___DATE:____

EMPLOYEE:_____

BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Quiz

Name:__
Date: _____

Circle T (True) or F (False) for each Question:

1. For testing patient direct nasal swabs, hold Extraction Reagent
   bottle vertically Hovering 1/2 inch above the TOP HOLE, slowly
   add 8 DROPS to the TOP HOLE of the swab well.

2. The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card device should not be
   removed from the foil pouch until just before use.

3. A nasopharyngeal swab is an acceptable sample type for testing
   on the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card.

4. Direct nasal swab samples may be stored at room temperature
   for 24 hours.

5. It is acceptable to return the nasal swab after patient collection
   to its original packaging.

6. False negative results can occur if the sample swab is not rotated
   (twirled) prior to closing the card.

7. If no lines are seen, or if just the Sample Line is seen, the assay is
   negative.

8. Results should be read promptly at 15 minutes, and not before.
   Results should not be read after 30 minutes.

9. The appearance of a pink-to-purple Control Line and a pink-topurple Sample Line below it is a positive result.

10. Test using only with swabs provided in the kit, and collect direct
    nasal swabs from individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their
    healthcare provider within the first seven days of symptom
    onset.

BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Quiz Answer Key

1. F For testing patient direct nasal swabs, hold Extraction Reagent bottle
   vertically Hovering 1/2 inch above the TOP HOLE, slowly add 6 DROPS to the TOP HOLE of the swab well.

2. T The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card device should be left in the foil pouch until just before use.

3. F A direct nasal swab specimen is the only accepted sample type for the
   BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card kit. Other sample types are unacceptable.

4. F If immediate testing is not possible, the nasal swab must be returned to a clean, unused plastic tube labeled with patient information and can be held at room temperature (15- 30°C) for up to one (1) hour prior to testing.

5. F Do not store the swab after specimen collection in the original paper
   packaging, if storage is needed use a clean, unused plastic tube with cap.

6. T False negative results can occur if the sample swab is not rotated (twirled) prior to closing the card.

7. F If no lines are seen, or if just the Sample Line is seen, the assay is invalid. Invalid tests should be repeated.

8. T In order to ensure proper test performance, it is important to read the result promptly at 15 minutes, and not before. Results should not be read after 30 minutes.

9. T A positive BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card will have a pink-to-purple control line and a second pink-to-purple sample line appears below it.

10. T Test using only with swabs provided in the kit, and collect direct nasal swabs from individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first seven days of symptom onset.

BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card CLSI Lab Procedure [pdf]

BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card CLSI Lab Procedure [doc]

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