A retrospective analysis of COVID-19 diagnosis results obtained by rapid antigen tests and RT-PCR: Implications for disease management

Abstract

There is a need for understanding and establishment of the most appropriate testing algorithm for COVID-19 diagnosis in asymptomatic high-risk groups. Here, we present a retrospective analysis of RT-PCR results obtained from 412 cases tested negative for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by rapid antigen testing method. Among 178 (43.2%) asymptomatic individuals, 44.9% of the high risk contacts, 12.2% of police custody individuals, 22.22% of the pregnant women and 33.33% of individuals hospitalised for preoperative or other medical conditions showed RT-PCR positivity. Our results suggest a need for focussed and intensive (multi-modality) testing in groups at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Direct Nasal Swab for Rapid Test and Saliva as an Alternative Biological Sample for RT-PCR in COVID-19 Diagnosis

“…Some studies evaluated only a single testing device in limited sample size ( 16 , 17 ), whereby a few studies have investigated multiple rapid test devices simultaneously ( 18 , 19 ). In most cases, the sample size is very small for prospective studies ( 20 ) and large for retrospective studies ( 21 ). Regarding specimen source (nasal and/or saliva) evaluation, only a small handful of studies exist, and this substantiates further studies ( 22 , 23 ).…”

Sensitivity and Specificity of Rapid Antigen Antigen Examination for COVID-19 Immunochromatography Method at the Dadi Regional Special Hospitals

“…Konfirmasi antigen negatif individu yang diuji dengan RT-PCR terutama untuk kelompok tanpa gejala atau berisiko tinggi penting untuk isolasi yang cepat dan manajemen klinis. Kami menyarankan kebutuhan untuk pengujian yang terfokus dan intensif (multi-modalitas) dalam kelompok dengan risiko infeksi SARS-CoV-2 dan sangat mendukung penggunaan RT-PCR sebagai baris pertama pengujian alih-alih RAT pada kelompok berisiko tinggi tanpa gejala (Munne et al, 2021).…”