A Review published in BMCMedicine analyzes the sensitivity and specificity of rapid molecular and antigen detection tests for the diagnosis of COVID-19. However, a full systematic review is required to confirm these preliminary results.
Incorrect identification of SARS-CoV-2 may lead to unnecessary further testing, isolation, undue stress, loss of productivity, and school absences, so it is essential to have accurate testing.
A polymerase chain reaction test, completed in a lab, is considered a reference standard of testing, but it is costly to do and, in some settings with capacity challenges, it can take a day or more to get an answer. There are two broad categories of rapid tests that can deliver results quickly, often in less than an hour—rapid molecular tests and rapid antigen tests; but it is unclear which rapid tests are most accurate and what circumstances might make rapid tests more or less accurate.
Our results must be interpreted with caution because they are based on a rapid review, which used a simplified evidence synthesis process and included a limited number of studies; a full systematic review is required to confirm these preliminary results.Countries around the world use rapid tests to help reduce the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 .
The reference standard test for SARS-CoV-2 infection is a result from a laboratory-based polymerase chain reaction test . However, logistical challenges in accessing timely diagnostic PCR testing in times of high community transmission because of capacity issues highlights the importance of having access to additional diagnostically accurate rapid testing modalities (e.g.
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