A retrospective analysis of COVID-19 diagnosis results obtained by rapid antigen tests and RT-PCR: Implications for disease management

Munne, Kiran; Bhanothu, Venkanna; Mayekar, Anjali; Birje, Shantanu; Bhor, Vikrant; Patel, Vainav; Mahale, Smita D.; Pande, Shailesh S.

There is a need for understanding and establishment of the most appropriate testing algorithm for COVID-19 diagnosis in asymptomatic high-risk groups. Here, we present a retrospective analysis of RT-PCR results obtained from 412 cases tested negative for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by rapid antigen testing method. Among 178 (43.2%) asymptomatic individuals, 44.9% of the high risk contacts, 12.2% of police custody individuals, 22.22% of the pregnant women and 33.33% of individuals hospitalised for preoperative or other medical conditions showed RT-PCR positivity. Our results suggest a need for focussed and intensive (multi-modality) testing in groups at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection.