Clinical evaluation of single-swab sampling for rapid COVID-19 detection in outbreak settings in Dutch nursing homes.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To assess whether one swab can be used to perform both the antigen-detection rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for COVID-19 detection during an outbreak in the nursing home (NH) setting.

Methods

The single-swab method (SSM), where the Ag-RDT is performed with the transport medium used for RT-PCR, was evaluated in three Dutch NHs and compared to the laboratory setting. We collected Ag-RDT and RT-PCR results, NH resident characteristics and symptomatology. In addition, two focus groups were held with the involved care professionals to gain insight into the feasibility of the SMM in the NH setting.

Results

In the NH setting, the SSM had a sensitivity of 51% and a specificity of 89% compared to RT-PCR. Thes

SUBMITTER: Paap KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8602523 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature