Prevalence and factors associated with antigen test positivity following SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in Los Angeles

Abstract

Surges of SARS-CoV-2 infections among healthcare workers (HCWs) have led to critical staffing shortages. From January 4 to February 4, 2022, we implemented a return-to-work antigen testing program for HCWs and 870 HCWs participated. Antigen test positivity was 60.5% for those ≤5 days from symptom onset or positive PCR and 47.4% were positive at day 7. Antigen positivity was associated with receiving a booster vaccination and being ≤6 days from symptom onset or PCR test, but not age or a symptomatic infection. Rapid antigen testing can be a useful tool to guide return-to-work and isolation precautions for HCWs following infection.