Table 4.
Comparison of multiplex assays with regards to test specifications, costs and accomplishment.
| Standard assay (SoC) | TaqPath (TP) | Powerchek (PC) | Xpert Xpress (GX) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | – | Thermo Fisher Scientific | Kogene Biotech | Cepheid |
| Pathogen detection | SARS-CoV-2, IAV, IBV, RSVA and RSVB | SARS-CoV-2, InfluenzaA/B, RSV | SARS-CoV-2, IAV, IBV, RSV | SARS-CoV-2, IAV, IBV, RSV |
| Number of PCR reactions | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Sample volume | Not specifieda | 400 μl | Not specifieda | 300 μl |
| Elution volume | Not specifieda | 50 μl | Not specifieda | Not applicable |
| RNA volume | 25 μl (5 μl/each) | 17.5 μl | 5 μl | Not applicable |
| Internal control | Not provided | Provided | Provided | Provided in cartridge |
| Step to add IC | Extraction | Extraction | PCR mix | Not applicable |
| Number of samples tested on the same assay | 93 | 94 | 94 | 1 |
| Run on time | 90 min | 90 min | 90 min | 36 min |
| Time to resulta | 540 minb | 145 minb | 145 minb | 40 min |
| Personnel training | Low | High | Low | Low |
| RT-PCR Instrument | Any with >2 optical channels | Applied Biosystems™ 7,500 Fast; QuantStudio™5; QuantStudio™ 7 Flex, 384–well block | Any with 4 optical channels | GenXpert Instrument |
| Interpretation of results with software | RT-PCR Instrument | Pathogen Interpretive | RT-PCR Instrument | GenXpert Instrument |
| Cost reagents per test (US$) | 20c,d | 25e | 13.6e | 31f |
a
Sample volume according to the extraction kit manufacturer manual for use.
b
Extraction 35 min, PCR 90 min each, interpretation of results 10 min for SoC, 20 min for MPA.
c
Providing that we perform 5 RT-PCR assays (2 PCR for SARS-CoV-2 (E and RdRP genes); 1 for IAV; 1 for IBV; and 1 for RSV) for Standard of care with 5 μl for each RT-PCR.
d
We calculated a cost of 4 $ per test in Standard PCR assay.
e
Shipment and controls in each PCR plate included.
f
Shipment included. Prices provided by Singapore for TP, Korea for PC and France for GX.