Virucidal activity of SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen extraction buffers

Abstract

Since diagnostic sampling material must be considered as infectious, we evaluated whether extraction buffers of SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test kits may inactivate SARS-CoV-2. Of concern, seven of nine tested buffers lacked potent virucidal activity. To reduce risk of infection during assay performance, virucidal antigen extraction buffers that efficiently inactivate virus should replace the extraction buffers in these commercially available point-of-care devices.

Keywords: Antigen extraction buffer; Assay safety; Point-of-care devices; SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test; Virucidal buffer.