Quantifying the potential value of antigen-detection rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19: a modelling analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Testing plays a critical role in treatment and prevention responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to nucleic acid tests (NATs), antigen-detection rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) can be more accessible, but typically have lower sensitivity and specificity. By quantifying these trade-offs, we aimed to inform decisions about when an Ag-RDT would offer greater public health value than reliance on NAT.

Methods

Following an expert consultation, we selected two use cases for analysis: rapid identification of people with COVID-19 amongst patients admitted with respiratory symptoms in a 'hospital' setting and early identification and isolation of people with mildly symptomatic COVID-19 in a 'community' setting. Using decision analysis, we evaluated the health system

SUBMITTER: Ricks S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7939929 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature