Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 virus detection using the Xpert Xpress rapid molecular test on Abbott M2000 Real-Time System: a cross-sectional study

Emergency use of molecular rapid test kits approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) kit. The rapid molecular test is one of the examinations using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Compared to conventional PCR, the examination time is faster, so it is suitable for diagnostic purposes. OBJECTIVES: Determining the diagnostic capabilities of the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 rapid molecular test in detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the Indonesian population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with consecutive sampling, in which participants were diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection using the RT-PCR Abbott M2000 SARS-CoV-2 System. A molecular rapid test examination was carried out using the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 kit. Assessing the correlation between the cycle threshold (CT) value of Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 and the Abbott M2000 SARS-CoV-2 System using the Pearson and Spearmen test with P<0.05. RESULTS: Molecular rapid test using Xpert Xpress has a compatibility of 100% with RT-PCR using Abbott M2000 SARS-CoV-2 and a sensitivity and specificity value of 100%. The Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 CT value had a significant correlation with the Abbott M2000 SARS-CoV-2 System CT value, with moderate correlation strength for the CT protein E value (r=0.444; P=0.007) and robust correlation for CT value of protein N2 (r=0.829; P<0.001). The negative predictive and positive predictive values were 100% each. CONCLUSION: The Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 molecular rapid test has a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and can be recommended for diagnosing COVID-19.