CareStart COVID-19 Antigen Test Kit Instructions
- June 6, 2024
- CareStart
Table of Contents
COVID-19 Antigen
Rapid Diagnostic Test for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen
For use under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) only
For in vitro diagnostic use only
For prescription use only
Package Insert
(Instructions for Use)
Intended Use
The CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen test is a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay intended for the qualitative detection of the nucleocapsid protein antigen from SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal or anterior nasal swab specimens directly collected from individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within five 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., inpatient care settings operating under a CLIA Certificate of Waiver, Certificate of Compliance, or Certificate of Accreditation. Results are for the identification of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein antigen. The antigen is generally detectable in nasopharyngeal or anterior nasal swab specimens during the acute phase of infection. Positive results indicate the presence of viral antigens, but the clinical correlation with patient history and other diagnostic information is necessary to determine infection status. Positive results do not rule out a bacterial infection or co-infection with other viruses. The agent detected may not be the definite cause of the disease. Laboratories within the United States and its territories are required to report all results to the appropriate public health authorities. Negative results are 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 performance of this test was established based on the evaluation of a limited number of clinical specimens collected between September 2020 and December 2020. The clinical performance has not been established in all circulating variants but is anticipated to be reflective of the prevalent variants in circulation at the time and location of the clinical evaluation. Performance at the time of testing may vary depending on the variants circulating, including newly emerging strains of SARS-CoV-2 and their prevalence, which change over time. The CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen is intended for use by medical professionals or trained operators who are proficient in performing tests and trained clinical laboratory personnel or individuals trained in point of care settings. The CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen is only for use under the Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization.
Summary and Explanation of the Test
Since the first outbreak reported in December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has spread
rapidly worldwide, and the disease it causes has been named “Coronavirus
Disease 2019” (COVID-19). Due to its highly contagious nature and global
health crises, SARS-CoV-2 has been designated as a pandemic by the World
Health Organization (WHO). SARS-CoV-2 continues to have devastating impacts on
healthcare systems and the world economy including the U.S.
Principles of the Test
The CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen Test is a lateral flow immunochromatographic
assay for the detection of extracted nucleocapsid protein antigens specific to
SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal or anterior nasal swab specimens directly
collected from individuals who are suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare
provider within the first five days of symptom onset. Nasopharyngeal and
anterior nasal swabs require a sample preparation step in which the sample is
eluted into the extraction buffer solution. Extracted swab sample is added to
the sample well of the test device to initiate the test. When the swab sample
migrates in the test strip, SARS-CoV-2 viral antigens bind to anti-SARS-CoV-2
nucleocapsid protein antibodies conjugated to indicator and capture particles
in the test strip forming an immune complex. The immune complex is then
captured by the test line on the nitrocellulose membrane as it migrates
through the strip. Test results are interpreted at 10 minutes. The presence of
two colored lines in the control line region “C” and test line region “T”
indicates COVID-19 positive. The presence of one colored line in the control
line region “C” indicates COVID-19 negative. No appearance of a colored line
in the control region “C” indicates an invalid test.
Reagents and Materials Provided
Contents Name | ‘ Quantity (in a kit) | – Description | |
---|---|---|---|
Test device | 20 each | Foil pouched test device containing one test strip |
which is encased in plastic device cassette.
Extraction vial / cap| | 20 v
caps Is and| The extraction vial contains an extraction buffer solution.
Nasal (or nasopharyngeal) swab| | 20 each| Swabs for specimen collection.
Positive control swab| | 1 each| Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein
antigen is dried on the foam-tipped head.
Negative control swab| | 1 each| Blank swab
Package insert| | 1 each| Instructions for use
Quick Reference Instructions (QRI)| | 1 each| Quick reference instructions
The following materials are needed but not provided:
- Pair of gloves
- Timer
- Biohazard or sharps container
- Micropipette
Warnings and Precautions
- For prescription and in vitro diagnostic use only.
- This product has not been FDA cleared or approved, but has been authorized by FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use by laboratories certified under the CLIA that meet the requirements to perform moderate, high or waived complexity tests. This product 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 emergency use of this product 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 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.
- This product has been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens.
- As with all diagnostic tests, all results must be interpreted together with other clinical information available to the physician.
- Immediately use after opening the test device in the pouch.
- In order to obtain accurate results, the test must follow this package insert.
- Excess blood or mucus on the swab specimen may interfere with test performance and may yield a false-positive result. Avoid touching any bleeding areas of the nasopharynx when collecting specimens.
- Do not interpret the test result before 10 minutes and after 15 minutes starting the test.
- Inadequate or inappropriate sample collection, storage, and transport can result in incorrect results.If specimen storage is necessary, swabs can be placed into an extraction buffer for up to four hours. Specimens should not be stored dry.
- Do not use if the test device package is damaged.
- Do not use the kit contents beyond the expiration date.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the area where the specimens and kit contents are handled.
- Use appropriate precautions in the collection, handling, storage, and disposal of patient samples and used kit contents.
- Dispose of used contents as biohazardous wastes in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.
- Nitrile or latex gloves should be worn when performing this test.
- If the extraction buffer contacts the skin or eye, flush with copious amounts of water.
- Handle all specimens as though they contain infectious agents.
- Observe established precautions against microbiological hazards throughout the procedure and follow the standard procedures for proper disposal of specimens.
- Reagents contain sodium azide, which is harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or exposed to the skin. Contact with acids produces a very toxic gas. If there is contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of water. Sodium azide may react with lead and copper plumbing to form highly explosive metal azides. On disposal, flush with a large volume of water to prevent azide build-up.
- Do not interchange kit contents from different lots.
- Do not re-use any contents in the kit as they are single-use only.
- For additional information on hazard symbols, safety, handling, and disposal of the components within this kit, please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) located at accessbio.net.
Storage and Stability
- Store the test kit as packaged between 1 ~ 30°C.
- The reagents and materials in the CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen are stable until the expiration date printed on the outer packaging. Do not use it beyond the expiration date.
- The test device must remain in the sealed pouch until use.
- Do not freeze any contents of the kit.
Quality Control
Internal Quality Control: The CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen contains a built-in
internal procedural control that is included in the test device. A red-colored
line appearing in the control region “C” is designed as an internal procedural
control. The appearance of the procedural control line indicates that
sufficient flow has occurred, and the functional integrity of the test device
has been maintained. If the procedural control line does not develop in 10
minutes, the test result is considered invalid and retesting with a new device
is recommended. If the internal procedural control line is still absent in the
retest, please contact the Technical Support at +1888-898-1270 (Available
Hours: Mon. to Fri.: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or
TShelp@accessbio.net (24/7 available).
External Control:
External control is used to demonstrate that the test device and test
procedure perform properly. It is recommended that positive and negative
external control swabs are run once with every new lot, shipment, and each new
user. External positive and negative control swabs are provided in the kit.
The external control should be tested using the swab test procedure provided
in this package insert or the quick reference instruction card. If the
external control results are invalid, please contact the Technical Support at
+1-888-8981270 (Available Hours: Mon. to Fri.: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or
TShelp@accessbio.net (24/7 available) before
testing patient specimens.
Specimen Collection and Handling
Acceptable specimen type for testing with the CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen is a
direct nasopharyngeal and anterior nasal swab specimen. It is essential that
correct specimen collection and preparation methods be followed. Inadequate
specimen collection, improper specimen handling and/or transport may yield
false results; therefore, specimen collection requires specific training and
guidance due to the importance of specimen quality to obtain accurate test
results. Specimens are stable for 4 hours in the extraction buffer. 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
Swab Sample Collection Procedure
Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection
Procedural Notes
- Process the test sample immediately after collection.
- Use only recommended nasopharyngeal swabs for specimen collection.
- Collect the specimen wearing safety gloves to avoid contamination.
- Do not touch the tip (specimen collection area) of the swab.
- Collect samples as soon as possible within 5 days of symptom onset.
1. Remove a nasopharyngeal swab from the pouch.| 2. Tilt the patient’s head
back 70 degrees. Gently and slowly insert the swab
into one of the patient’s nostrils until it reaches the posterior nasopharynx;
keep insert until resistance is encountered or the distance is
equivalent to that from the ear to the nostril of the patient.
3. Slowly rotate 3-5 times the swab over the surface of the posterior
nasopharynx.| 4. Leave the swab in place for several seconds to absorb
secretions.
Slowly remove the swab from the nostril while rotating it.
Anterior Nasal Swab Collection
Procedural Notes
- Process the test sample immediately after collection.
- Use only provided or recommended anterior nasal swab for specimen collection.
- Collect the specimen wearing safety gloves to avoid contamination.
- Do not touch the tip (specimen collection area) of the swab.
- Collect samples as soon as possible within 5 days of symptom onset.
1. Remove a nasal swab from the pouch.| 2. Insert the swab into one of the
patient’s nostrils up to
1 inch from the edge of the nostril.
3. Slowly roll the swab 5 times over the
surface of the nostril. Using the same swab, repeat this collection
process in the other nostril. Take approximately 15 seconds to collect
the specimen.| 4. Slowly remove the swab from the
nostril while rotating it.
Test Procedures
Procedural Notes
- Allow test devices, reagents, specimens, and/or controls to equilibrate to room temperature (15~30°C) prior to testing.
- Remove the CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen test device and extraction vial from its foil pouch immediately before testing.
- The CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen kit IS INTENDED to be used only with a direct nasopharyngeal or anterior nasal swab specimen.
- The CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen kit IS NOT INTENDED for testing other liquid samples such as nasal wash or aspirate samples as results can be compromised by over dilution.
Direct Swab Test Procedure
1. Peel off aluminum foil seal from the
top of the extraction vial containing the
extraction buffer| 2. Place the swab into the extraction vial.
Rotate the swab vigorously at least 5
times.
3. Remove the swab by rotating against the extraction vial while squeezing
the sides of the vial to release the liquid from the swab. Properly discard
the swab.| 4. Close the vial with the provided cap and push firmly onto the
vial.
5. Mix thoroughly by flicking the bottom of the tube.| 6. Invert the
extraction vial and hold the sample vertically above the sample
well. Squeeze the vial gently. Allow three (3) drops of sample to fall into
the sample well. 2 drops of the sam le are required minimum volume to
initiate the test run and invalid results will be obtained if 1 drop of sample
is
added to the cassette. Leakage of the sample is possible when 6 drops or
more of the sample are added.
7. Read and interpret the test result at 10 minutes. The test result should not be read and interpreted after 15 minutes.
Warning
The false positive, false negative or invalid results may occur if the test is
interpreted outside of the interpretation window.
Interpretation of Results
NOTE: The test results should be read and interpreted at 10 minutes after
the sample application and the reading and interpretation of the results
should not exceed 15 minutes. The test results should not be interpreted using
any instruments.
Positive: two distinct colored lines appear. One red-colored line next to
“C” and one blue-colored line next to “T” indicates COVID-19 positive result.
NOTE: The color intensity in the test region will vary depending on the
amount of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein antigen present in the sample. Any
faint colored line(s) in the test region(s) should be considered as positive.
Negative:
One red-colored line only next to “C” indicates a negative result.
Invalid:
If the red-colored line in the control region “C” is not visible, the result
is invalid. Re-run the test one time using the remaining specimen in the
extraction vial if an invalid result is obtained during initial testing.
Limitations
- False-negative results may occur in patients who have indicated or whose clinical status or history would indicate they are currently taking high doses of biotin (> 10 mg per day). Biotin levels of 2.5 µg/mL have been demonstrated to result in false-negative test results.
- Negative results should be treated as presumptive and confirmation with a molecular assay, if necessary for patient management, may be performed.
- Failure to follow the instructions for use may adversely affect test performance and/or invalidate the test result.
- If the differentiation of specific SARS viruses and strains is needed, additional testing, in consultation with state or local public health departments, is required.
- Extracted specimens are stable for 4 hours in extraction buffer at room temperature.
- Results from antigen testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection or to determine infection status.
- This test will indicate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein antigen in the specimen from both viable and non-viable SARS-CoV-2 virus. 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.
- The detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen is dependent upon proper specimen collection, handling, storage, and preparation. Failure to observe proper procedures in any one of these steps can lead to incorrect results.
- Results from the device should be correlated with the clinical history, epidemiological data, and other data available to the clinician evaluating the patient.
- This device has been evaluated for use with human specimen material only.
- False-negative results may occur if the concentration of the target antigen in the clinical specimen is below the detection limits of the device.
- This device is a qualitative test and does not provide information on the viral concentration present in the specimen.
- This test cannot rule out diseases caused by other bacterial or viral pathogens.
- The prevalence of infection will affect the test’s predictive values.
- The performance of this test was established based on the evaluation of a limited number of clinical specimens collected between September 2020 and December 2020. The clinical performance has not been established in all circulating variants but is anticipated to be reflective of the prevalent variants in circulation at the time and location of the clinical evaluation. Performance at the time of testing may vary depending on the variants circulating, including newly emerging strains of SARS-CoV-2 and their prevalence, which change over time
- Positive and negative predictive values are highly dependent on prevalence. False-negative test results are more likely during peak activity when the prevalence of the disease is high. False-positive test results are more likely during the periods of low SARS-CoV-2 activity when prevalence is moderate to low.
CONDITIONS of AUTHORIZATION for LABORATORY
The CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen test 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-disease2019-covid-19
-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/vitro-diagnostics-euas.
However, to assist clinical laboratories using the CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen
test (“your product” in the conditions below), the relevant Conditions of
Authorization are listed below:
A. Authorized laboratories 1 using your product must include with test result
reports, all authorized Fact Sheets. Under exigent circumstances, other
appropriate methods for disseminating these Fact Sheets may be used, which may
include mass media.
B. Authorized laboratories using your product must use your product as
outlined in the authorized labeling. Deviations from the authorized
procedures, including the authorized instruments, authorized extraction
methods, authorized clinical specimen types, authorized control materials,
authorized other ancillary reagents and authorized materials required to use
your product are not permitted.
C. Authorized laboratories that receive your product must notify the relevant
public health authorities of their intent to run your product prior to
initiating testing.
D. Authorized laboratories using your product must have a process in place for
reporting test results to healthcare providers and relevant public health
authorities, as appropriate.
E. Authorized laboratories must collect information on the performance of your
product and report to DMD/OHT7-OIR/OPEQ/CDRH (via email: CDRH-
EUAReporting@fda.hhs.gov) and ACCESS
BIO, INC. (Technical Support at +1-888-8981270 or
TShelp@accessbio.net) 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.
F. 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.
G. ACCESS BIO, INC., authorized distributors, and authorized laboratories
using your product must 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 moderate, high or waived complexity
tests. This test is authorized for use at the Point of Care (POC), i.e.,
inpatient care settings operating under a CLIA Certificate of Waiver,
Certificate of Compliance, or Certificate of Accreditation” as “authorized
laboratories.”
Performance Characteristics
Clinical Performance – Nasopharyngeal swab
The clinical performance characteristics of the CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen
test using nasopharyngeal swab specimens were evaluated in a multi-site
prospective study in the U.S. between September 2020 and November 2020 against
an FDA Emergency Use Authorized RTPCR molecular assay as a comparator method.
A total of three (3) Point-of-Care investigational sites throughout the U.S.
participated in the study. To be enrolled in the study, patients had to be
presenting at the participating study centers with COVID-19 like symptoms and
meet inclusion/exclusion criteria. All patients presented with fever or at
least two symptoms of COVID19 infection. The patients presenting the COVID-19
like symptoms within five (5) days of symptom onset at the study sites were
enrolled. The first collected nasopharyngeal or nasal swab was collected from
one nostril from each subject using standard collection methods for the
comparator method. The second collected nasopharyngeal swab from the same
nostril was tested directly on the CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen test to
demonstrate the agreement with the comparator method. Testing was performed by
six (6) operators with no laboratory experience and who were representative of
the intended users. Operators were only using the QRI for the test without any
training provided. A total of 180 nasopharyngeal swab specimens collected from
individual symptomatic patients (within 5 days of onset) were considered
evaluable. The performance of the CareStart™ COVID19 Antigen test compared to
the comparator method is presented in the tables below.
CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen nasopharyngeal clinical performance within 5
days of symptom onset against the comparator method
CareStart ™ COVID-19 Antigen | Comparator |
---|---|
Positive | Negative |
Positive | 30 |
Negative | 2 |
Total | 32 |
Positive Percent Agreement (PPA) | 93.75% (95% CI: 79.85% – 98.27%) |
Negative Percent Agreement (NPA) | 99.32% (95% CI: 96.27% – 99.88%) |
Patient Demographics
Age Group | CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen |
---|---|
Total # | Positive |
≤5 Years of Age | 0 |
6-21 Years of Age | 22 |
22-59 Years of Age | 134 |
≥60 Years of Age | 24 |
Positive results broken down by days since symptom onset:
Days Since Symptom
Onset
| Cumulative RT-PCR Positive (+)| Cumulative CareStart ™ COVID-19 Antigen
Positive (+)| PPA| 95% Confidence interval
---|---|---|---|---
1| 0| 0| –| –| –
2| 7| 7| 100%| 64.57%| 100.00%
3| 15| 15| 100%| 79.62%| 100.00%
4| 23| 22| 95.65%| 79.01%| 99.23%
5| 32| 30| 93.75%| 79.85%| 98.27%
Clinical Performance – Anterior Nasal swab
The clinical performance characteristics of the CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen
test using anterior nasal swab specimen were evaluated in a multi-site
prospective study in the U.S. between November 2020 and December 2020 against
an FDA Emergency Use Authorized RT-PCR molecular assay as a comparator method.
A total of three (3) Point-of-Care investigational sites throughout the U.S.
participated in the study. To be enrolled in the study, patients had to be
presenting at the participating study centers with COVID-19 like symptoms and
meet inclusion/exclusion criteria. All patients presented with fever or at
least two symptoms of COVID19 infection. The patients presenting the COVID-19
like symptoms within five (5) days of symptom onset at the study sites were
enrolled. Two (2) nasal swabs were collected using the provided swabs. One (1)
swab was tested on the CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen test and the second swab
was processed in transport media for the comparator method. Collection order
for the swab to be tested on the CareStart™ COVID19 Antigen test and the swab
for reference testing was randomized. Testing was performed by eight (8)
operators with no laboratory experience and who were representative of the
intended users. Operators were only using the QRI for the test without any
training provided. A total of 92 nasal swab specimens collected from
individual symptomatic patients (within 5 days of onset) were considered
evaluable. The performance of the CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen test compared to
the comparator method is presented in the tables below.
CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen anterior nasal clinical performance within 5
days of symptom onset against the comparator method
Total | 39 | 53 | 92 |
---|---|---|---|
Positive Percent Agreement (PPA) | 87.18% (34/39) (95% CI: 73.29%-94.40%) | ||
Negative Percent Agreement (NPA) | 100.00% (53/53) (95% CI: 93.24%-100.00%) |
bCOVID-19 was not detected in 0/5 False Negative specimens using an alternative FDA-EUA molecular Assay
Patient Demographics
Age Group | CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen |
---|---|
Total # | Positive |
≤5 Years of Age | 1 |
6-21 Years of Age | 38 |
22-59 Years of Age | 47 |
≥60 Years of Age | 6 |
Positive results are broken down by days since symptom onset:
Days Since
Symptom Onset
| Cumulative RT-PCR
Positive (+)
| Cumulative CareStart ™
COVID-19 Antigen Positive (+)
| PPA| 95% Confidence interval
---|---|---|---|---
0| 3| 3| 100%| 43.85%| 100.01%
1| 11| 10| 90.91%| 62.27%| 98.38%
2| 24| 21| 87.50%| 69.00%| 95.66%
3| 33| 29| 87.88%| 72.68%| 95.19%
4| 37| 32| 86.49%| 72.02%| 94.09%
5| 39| 34| 87.18%| 73.30%| 94.40%
Analytical Sensitivity: Limit of Detection (LoD)
The LoD for direct swab was established using heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2
isolate USAWA1/2020 (NR-52286). The strain was spiked into the pooled human
nasal swab matrix obtained from multiple healthy volunteers eluted in VTM and
confirmed as SARS-CoV-2 negative by RT-PCR to prepare positive samples. The
estimated LoD found from the initial two-fold serial dilution test was
confirmed by testing 20 replicates. The confirmed LoD for direct swab was 8 x
10 2 TCID50/ml.
Analytical Specificity: Cross-Reactivity (Exclusivity) and Microbial
Interference
The potential cross-reactivity (exclusivity) of a panel of common organisms
was evaluated with SARS-CoV-2 negative samples using the CareStart™ COVID-19
Antigen test. Potential microbial interference was evaluated with samples
containing heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 isolate USA-WA1/2020 at approximately
3x LoD. A total of 8 bacteria were tested at a target concentration of
approximately 10 7 CFU/ml with the exception of Mycoplasma pneumonia, which
was tested at a final concentration of 1.5 x 10 3 CFU/ml. The 18 viruses were
tested at concentrations between 10 5.2 and 10 7.9 TCID50/ml. All negative
samples gave negative results at the concentrations of the potentially cross-
reactive common organisms tested showing no cross-reactivity with CareStart™
COVID-19 Antigen assay. All samples with SARS-CoV-2 strain tested positive
showing no microbial interference at the concentrations of the potentially
interfering common organisms tested.
Potential Cross-React ant
Adenovirus 1
Adenovirus 7
Enterovirus 71, Tainan/4643/1998
Human coronavirus (OC43)
Human coronavirus (229E)
Human coronavirus (NL63)
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV
Influenza A/Michigan/45/2015
Influenza B/Wisconsin/01/2010| MERS-Coronavirus, Irradiated Lysat
Parainfluenza virus type 1
Parainfluenza virus type 2
Parainfluenza virus type 3
Parainfluenza virus type 4
Respiratory syncytial virus Type B
Rhinovirus
SA RS-Coronavirus
Pooled human nasal wash| Bordetella pertussis
Candida albicans
Chlamydophila pneumoniae
Haemophilus influenzae
Legionella pneumophila
Mycoplasma pneumonia
Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Streptococcus pneumonia
streptococcus pyogenes, Group A
---|---|---
To estimate the likelihood of cross-reactivity with SARS-CoV-2 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. https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi?PAGE=Proteins&PROGRAM=blastp&BLAST_PROGRAMS=blastp&PAGE_TYPE=BlastSearch&BLAST_SPEC=blast2seq&DATABASE=n/a&QUERY=&SUBJECTS=
- The homology between SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and human coronavirus HKU1 nucleocapsid protein is relatively low, at 36.7% across 86.4% of sequences, but crossreactivity cannot be ruled out.
- The homology between SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and Mycobacterium tuberculosis total protein (3,991 proteins) is relatively low, homology-based cross-reactivity can be ruled out.
- The homology between SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and Pneumocystis jirovecii total protein (3,745 proteins) is relatively low, homology-based cross-reactivity can be ruled out.
- The homology between SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and human coronavirus 229E nucleocapsid protein is relatively low, at 28.8% across 72.1% of sequences, but crossreactivity cannot be ruled out. However, a result of the cross-reactivity wet study showed that CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen had no cross-reactivity against human coronavirus 229E.
- No homologous protein was detected as a result of in silico assay with all the proteins (686 proteins) of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and the nucleocapsid protein (NP) of SARS-CoV-2.
Endogenous Interfering Substances Effect
To assess substances with the potential to interfere with the performance of
the CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen, positive and negative samples were tested
with the addition of potentially interfering substances. The SARS-CoV-2 target
concentration in the positive samples was approximate 2x LoD. All samples
tested produced expected results, demonstrating that the CareStart™ COVID-19
Antigen test performance was not affected by any of the 30 potentially
interfering substances listed in the table below at the concentrations tested.
Potential Interfering Substances| Concentration| Potential
Interfering Substances| Concentration
---|---|---|---
Acetaminophen| 10 mg/ml| Mometasone| 1 mg/ml
Acetyl salicylic acid| 15 mg/ml| Mucin| 2%
Beclomethasone| 0.5 mg/ml| Mupirocin| 1 mg/ml
Benzocaine| 5 mg/ml| OTC Throat drop (Halls)| 15%
Budesonide| 2 mg/ml| OTC Throat drop (Ricola)| 15%
Chlorpheniramine maleate| 5 mg/ml| OTC Nasal spray (Afrin)| 15%
Dexamethasone| 1 mg/ml| OTC Nasal spray (VicksSinex)| 15%
Dextromethorphan HBr| 2 mg/ml| OTC Nasal spray (Zicam)| 15%
Diphenhydramine HCI| 5 mg/ml| Oxymetazoline HCI| 10 mg/ml
Ephedrine HCI| 10 mg/ml| Phenylephrine HCI| 5 mg/ml
Flunisolide| 5 mg/ml| Phenylpropanolamine| 5 mg/ml
Fluticasone| 1 mg/ml| Tobramycin| 1 mg/ml
Guaiacol Glyceryl Ether| 20 mg/ml| Triamcinolone| 1 mg/ml
Histamine Dihydrochloride| 10 mg/ml| Whole Blood| 4%
Menthol| 10 mg/ml| Zanamivir| 1 mg/ml
The interfering effects of biotin concentrations ranging between 625 ng/mL and 10 µg/mL were tested in a separate study. Biotin concentrations up to 1.25 µg/ml did not lead to false results. Biotin concentrations ≥2.5 µg/ml can cause false-negative COVID-19 results with the CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen.
High-dose Hook Effect
The CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen was tested up to 10 5 TCID50/ml of heat-
inactivated SARS- CoV-2 strain and no high-dose hook effect was observed.
Point of Care Use
The CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen was demonstrated at near-patient or Point of
Care (POC) testing that non-laboratory personnel can perform the test
accurately in the intended use environment. In addition, the robust use of the
CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen for near patient or Point of Care (POC) testing
was demonstrated by thirteen (13) Flex studies.
Technical Support
For questions, or to report a problem, please call Technical Support at
+1-888-898-1270 (Available Hours: Mon.
to Fri.: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or
TShelp@accessbio.net (24/7 available). Test
system problems may also be reported to the FDA using the MedWatch reporting
system (phone: 1-800 FDA-1088; fax: 1-800 FDA-1078: or
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch).
Description of Symbols
Symbol | Descriptions |
---|---|
**IVD** |
In vitro, diagnostic medical device Indicates a medical device |
that is intended to be used as an in vitro diagnostic medical device.
**| Consult instructions for use This indicates the need for the user to
consult the
instructions for use.
| Manufacturer Indicates the medical device manufacturer.
` LOT| Batch code Indicates the manufacturer’s batch code so that the batch or lot can be identified. | Do not re-use Indicates a medical device that is intended for one use, or uses on a single patient during a single procedure. | Use by date Indicates the date after which the medical device is not to be used.
CONTROL +| Positive control Indicates a control material that is intended to verify the results in the expected positive range.
CONTROL -| Negative control Indicates a control material that is intended to verify the results in the expected negative range. Symbol| Descriptions ---|---
REF**`| Catalog number Indicates the manufacturer’s catalog number so
that the medical device can be identified.
| Caution Indicates the need for the user to consult the instructions for use
for important cautionary information such as warnings and precautions that
cannot, for a variety of reasons, be presented on the medical device itself.
| Date of manufacture
Indicates the date when the medical device was manufactured.
| Temperature limit
Indicates the temperature limits to which the medical device can be safely
exposed.
| Do not use if the package is damaged
Indicates a medical device that should not be used if the package has been
damaged or
opened.
| Contains sufficient for
Indicates the total number of IVD tests that can be performed w ith the IVD.
| Prescription-only
Manufactured by:
Acce ss Bi o, Inc.
65 Clyde Road, Suite A.
Somerset, NJ 08873, USA
Tel: 732-873-4040
Fax: 732-873-4043
Email: info@accessbio.net
Website: www.accessbio.net
Technical Support in the U.S.
Te l : +1-888-898-1270 (Toll Free)
Email: TShelp@accessbio.net
Manufactured for:
Intrivo Diagnostics, Inc.
2021 Santa Monica Blvd, #11
Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
Te l : 888-965-0301
Fax: 888-965-0302
Email: info@intrivo.com
Website: www.intrivo.com
Document number: IFU-RCHM71-E
Revision number: D (Effective date: Feb.08, 2021)
References
- Access Bio – A TRUSTED PARTNER IN GLOBAL HEALTH
- HHS Accessibility & Section 508 | HHS.gov
- Access Bio – A TRUSTED PARTNER IN GLOBAL HEALTH
- Intrivo | Get Back to What Matters
- Protein BLAST: search protein databases using a protein query
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