Large-Scale Implementation of a Daily Rapid Antigen Testing Program in California for Detecting SARS-CoV-2.

Ventura, Maria I; Delgado, Darci; Velasquez, Susan; Foote, Eric; Jacobson, Kathleen; Arguello, Juan Carlos; Warburton, Katherine · Am J Public Health · 2022

cross_sectional · Level IV

Where this comes from

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To evaluate a daily antigen testing program for health care personnel. <b>Methods.</b> We examined antigen testing results between December 13, 2020, and April 30, 2021, from 5 forensic psychiatric inpatient hospitals throughout California. <b>Results.</b> Among 471 023 antigen tests administered, 449 positives (0.0036% false positives) were detected. <b>Conclusions.</b> Antigen tests had low false-positive rates, high positive predictive value, and high levels of acceptability, important characteristics when considering their application in the community. <b>Public Health Implications.</b> Daily antigen testing was feasible and should be considered to reduce COVID-19 transmission. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2022;112(3):467-471. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306588).

Medical subject headings