Feedback on the detection of SARS-CoV-2 using point-of-care testing

In order to improve the detection and rapid diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, we evaluated the ID NOW™ Covid-19 isothermal gene amplification technique in parallel with the real-time PCR technique (DiaSorin) routinely used in the laboratory during a prospective study in the 2020 season. As this technique showed satisfactory sensitivity and specificity of 98% and 97.5% respectively, we then proposed to implement the detection of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in the emergency department and the maternity ward as a point-of-care test (POCT) for the 2020–2021 season and to evaluate its clinical and organizational impact. This article summarizes the results obtained and highlights the advantages and limitations of this strategy implemented in the emergency department, particularly in terms of time spent in the department, hospitalization rates, anticoagulant treatment, and early isolation of patients, as well as the organizational impact on the maternity unit. Based on this experience, we report on the regulatory constraints that apply when setting up a POCT and the steps required to validate the accreditation in accordance with standard NF EN ISO 22870.