Evaluation of the Diagnostic Performance of the TestNPass DM-DIV for SARS-CoV-2 Using a Nasopharyngeal Sample

The COVID-19 pandemic and the global spread of SARS-CoV-2 are historic events in terms of their magnitude and the collective response elicited from medical teams, governments, and the general public. This situation requires a rapid and effective response to identify solutions, particularly in the field of diagnostics.

While the initial tests used were based on PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and deep nasopharyngeal swabs, this approach has shown limitations in controlling the epidemic. The significant logistical resources required for implementation limit its large-scale use beyond current applications. In addition, deep nasopharyngeal sampling is not feasible for repeated testing of healthy populations as part of primary screening.

The current need is the development of new point-of-care (PoC) testing methods that are rapid, affordable, and easy to use. These characteristics would enable mass deployment in outpatient settings, reducing the burden on healthcare teams. Furthermore, a test that is easy to produce and can be stored at room temperature would address the immense logistical challenge of regularly testing the general population to specifically isolate virus carriers.

In this context, an innovative test called TestNPass has been developed by the Grenoble-based start-up company Grapheal. TestNPass is a rapid and low-cost antigen test for screening and diagnosis that delivers a secure digital passport and/or QR code upon request. This type of device may also be used to detect various antigens, such as those of influenza, streptococcus A, or shingles.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of an in vitro diagnostic medical device (IVD) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection using a nasopharyngeal swab. To achieve this, an additional nasopharyngeal swab sample will be collected immediately after the sample taken as part of routine healthcare procedures.

A total of 400 adult participants who require a nasopharyngeal swab for medical care will be enrolled in the study. The only additional procedure involved is the collection of a second nasopharyngeal swab. The study consists of a single visit (1 day).

Inclusion criteria

• Adults ≥18 years of age
• Consulting or hospitalized at the University Hospital of Grenoble Alpes, for whom a SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test via nasal swab is considered due to symptoms or context (hospitalization in a double room, ongoing epidemic outbreak)
• Having provided informed consent to participate in the study.
• Patient having the rights to French social insurance

Exclusion criteria

• Contraindication to nasopharyngeal swabbing:
• Anatomical abnormalities or medical conditions:
• Severe nasal septum deviation or nasal polyps
• History of recent nasal or facial surgery
• Severe sinusitis or nasal infections
• Bleeding disorders
• Extreme sensitivity or phobias related to medical procedures
• Participation in an exclusion period of another SARS-CoV-2 performance study: Minors

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, Individuals under guardianship or curatorship, Individuals deprived of liberty or involuntarily hospitalized, Individuals under administrative or judicial supervision, Persons unable to provide informed consent

• Staff with a hierarchical relationship with the principal investigator