Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction and BinaxNOW Rapid Antigen Tests at a Community Site During an Omicron Surge : A Cross-Sectional Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests are an important public health tool.

Objective

To evaluate field performance of the BinaxNOW rapid antigen test (Abbott) compared with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detecting infection with the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.

Design

Cross-sectional surveillance study.

Setting

Free, walk-up, outdoor, urban community testing and vaccine site led by Unidos en Salud, serving a predominantly Latinx community highly impacted by COVID-19.

Participants

Persons seeking COVID-19 testing in January 2022.

Measurements

Simultaneous BinaxNOW and RT-PCR from nasal, cheek, and throat swabs, including cycle threshold (Ct) measures; a lower Ct value is a surrogate for higher amounts of virus.

SUBMITTER: Schrom J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8943844 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature