A study published this month in the journal BMC Hematology, evaluated the performance of BioMedomics’ Sickle SCAN rapid test under real-world environmental conditions in two West African countries.
From the published paper:
“Previous to the DREPATEST study, Sickle SCAN had been assessed in field conditions in two studies in sub-Saharan Africa, with promising results. However, none of these studies provided information regarding the climate conditions. The aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of the Sickle SCAN POC test and its acceptability to persons conducting the tests under field conditions (temperature and relative humidity) in children older than 6 months of age and adults, in Lome (Togo) and Bamako (Mali), West Africa.”
“We conclude that the Sickle SCAN® test demonstrates excellent to perfect (HbAS, HbAC, HbSS, HbSC)or perfect (HbCC and HbAA) diagnostic accuracy, under both laboratory and field conditions. This rapid test demonstrates outstanding sensitivity and specificity when evaluated against existing gold standards. In addition, this test allows instrument- and electricity-free visual diagnostics, and requires minimal training to be performed.This rapid test is cheaper, easier to implement,and logistically more convenient than the current standard diagnostic methods in use in West Africa.”
The entire study can be viewed and downloaded here:
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