Since November 27, 2024, a new combined antigen test aimed at detecting the flu, bronchiolitis and covid viruses has been freely available in pharmacies. Although the French manufacturer of this product highlights great reliability, the High Authority of Health was, during a last study in 2023, more measured in its comments.
Small cold, fever, cough? While the epidemic of bronchiolitis, flu and covid-19 is looming or already present in our regions, a new antigen test boasts of being able to detect the 3 viruses at the same time.
What is it exactly?
This is a new combined antigen self-test, called All-In Triplex. Its particularity is to detect both the covid-19 virus, bronchiolitis as well as influenza A and B, from a nasal sample.
Who is the manufacturer of this test?
This combined test is manufactured by a French company called AAZ. Their website highlights the fact that they are involved in the manufacture of several self-screening tests, including that of HIV.
How does the test work?
As for covid-19, this test is an antigen test. “ In antigenic tests, we look for the structural proteins of the virus on the surface. », explained Michel Guyon, director of distribution within the diagnostic branch of the pharmaceutical company Roche, in an interview in 2020.
And like its predecessor, the test is made up of a rod with a sampling tip, resembling a sponge, which must be pushed and twisted into each nostril. The goal is to collect a sample of nasal secretion to place afterwards in a small container. The result, which will appear in the form of small strips, is available within the next 15 minutes.
Is this test reliable?
The seller of the test, the French company AAZ, highlights almost total reliability with 100% specificity (probability that a test is negative if the patient is not ill) and a sensitivity of around 90% ( i.e. the probability that a test will be positive if the patient carries the disease).
However, the High Authority of Health, in an evaluation dating from June 2023, was, for the moment, less enthusiastic about these results. The report states that: “ Apart from SARS-CoV-2, the data currently available mainly concerns simplex TROD, influenza or RSV. These data do not make it possible to know, with an acceptable level of certainty, the diagnostic performance (in particular the sensitivity levels) of the TRODs evaluated.. »
Questioned by the newspaper Le Parisien, the AAZ agency claims to have new data “ partially reassuring » regarding flu screening. She further assures that “ a national-scale survey will be launched during the winter of 2025-2026 ».
Where to buy it and at what price?
From November 27, the test will be freely available in pharmacies. The French company AAZ recommends to pharmacists an approximate price of 10 euros, but the price will be free and will therefore depend on each pharmacy. According to information from Le Parisien, this test will not be covered by Social Security.
