From triplex to tetraplex: evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the new Roche Cobas Liat SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B & RSV assay
In brief
Cobas Liat tetraplex finds four respiratory viruses with 100% sensitivity and >97% specificity
In a study of 315 nasopharyngeal swabs, the new Roche Cobas Liat assay correctly identified influenza A, influenza B, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV every time, with specificity ranging from 97% to 99.7%. The single-test format eliminates the need for two separate triplex assays, cutting hands-on time and likely reducing costs, especially in pediatric emergency settings.
- Journal
- Journal of clinical microbiology (Q1)
- Published
- 20 July 2026
- Study design
- Unclassified
- Evidence level
- Level 5, Expert Opinion (CEBM 5)
- Authors
- Bruno Luukinen, Mika Lång, Maria Peltola, Arttu Soinila, Tiina Jarvala, Tapio Seiskari, et al.
- PMID
- 42474354
- DOI
- 10.1128/jcm.00274-26
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Emergency Medicine (top studies of the week, 26 July 2026).
- Picked for Microbiology (medical) (top studies of the week, 26 July 2026).
Abstract
Rapid and accurate diagnostics of epidemic respiratory viruses are relevant for optimal care pathways. In this observational diagnostic accuracy study, the novel Cobas Liat assay (Roche Molecular Systems) was evaluated for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the clinical setting of Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland. In addition, the added value of the tetraplex assay instead of two partially overlapping triplex assays (influenza A/B and SARS-CoV-2 or RSV) was assessed in the context of adult and pediatric emergency department (AED, PED) point-of-care (PoC) testing environments. A total of 315 clinical nasopharyngeal swab samples were analyzed. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated against a molecular diagnostic reference. The evaluated Cobas Liat assay had sensitivities and specificities of 100% and 98.5% for influenza A, 100% and 99.7% for influenza B, 100% and 98.2% for SARS-CoV-2, and 100% and 97.0% for RSV, respectively. Among the index and reference tests, the Cobas Liat assay demonstrated the highest analytical sensitivity for influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV. No cross-reactivity with off-panel microbes was observed. With respect to clinical applicability, implementation of the evaluated tetraplex test would decrease double testing with two triplex tests in PED, likely decreasing costs and hands-on work. In AED, tetraplex testing would likely significantly increase the diagnostic yield for RSV, only rarely covered by PoC testing in AED. The evaluated Cobas Liat assay had excellent clinical and analytical accuracy, being highly suitable for PoC use but also for laboratory-based testing of influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV.IMPORTANCEUntil recently, rapid point-of-care diagnostics have been somewhat limited by triplex four-channel analysis technology, separating four of the most important epidemic respiratory viruses-influenza A, influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus, and SARS-CoV-2-into two individual triplex tests. The evaluated tetraplex respiratory viral assay combines the two partially overlapping tests into a single test, streamlining analysis in two-test settings and potentially reducing diagnostic gaps in one-test settings. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the diagnostic accuracy of the novel Cobas Liat SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) assay with additional considerations for analytical sensitivity and specificity, and clinical utility in adult and pediatric emergency department use.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.