Low Utility of Repeat Real-Time PCR Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Clinical Specimens.

Challener, Douglas W; Shah, Aditya; O'Horo, John C; Berbari, Elie; Binnicker, Matthew J; Tande, Aaron J · Mayo Clin Proc · 2020

retrospective_cohort · Level III

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Abstract

In a multicenter cohort of 22,315 patients tested for COVID-19, 1676 (7.5%) had repeat testing via real-time polymerase chain reaction following an initial negative test. Of those retested within 7 days of their first negative test, only 2.0% had a positive result. This suggests that repeat testing from the same source is unlikely to provide additional information.

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