This study is being conducted to study the use and application of a point-of-care (POC) Covid-19 test developed by Spartan BioSciences and recently approved for clinical use by Health Canada. Phase I of this study will determine the best route for the swabs (nasal, throat, or both), and to determine if this POC test results are comparable to the standard core-lab test results.
Currently, testing for COVID-19 is carried out with swabs and blood tests that are sent to
hospital laboratories for analysis. With the current technology, the turnaround time for test
results may take any where from 8 hours up to several days for confirmation of whether you
have COVID-19. This delay in diagnosis may delay care, prevent other testing modalities,
consume isolation beds and deplete the valuable personal protective equipment (PPE) needed
while providing treatment for patients with COVID-19.
Using a new, Health Canada approved technology, we can conduct the virus genetic testing at
the bedside with a nostril and throat swab, with results in under 45 minutes. This new
"point-of-care (POC)" technology, if proven accurate, may help future patients receive faster
and more definitive treatment. At the same time, it might help health care teams to preserve
resources and optimize care for patients (example: triage use of intensive care or isolation
unit beds, determine need for PPE, get quarantined staff back to front line to help with care
if they are non-carriers).
Diagnostic Test: Spartan Cube Point-of Care Covid-19 test
Throat and nasal swab for COVID-19 point-of-care test.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients ≥ 18 yo referred to the cardiology, internal medicine, ICU, CICU, CSICU or
RACE teams who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients in whom conventional COVID-19 testing would not have otherwise been
instituted or in whom immediate test results would not alter short-term treatment,
Patients with pre-existing wishes for DNR.
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada