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The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that testing for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) continues to support global efforts to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) by facilitating timely care and treatment and reducing viral transmission. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) testing is the reference standard for detecting SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. However, as RT‐PCR testing in Australia now requires a referral from a general practitioner or nurse practitioner, self‐testing using rapid antigen tests (RATs) has become the main method for identifying SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. RATs are readily available from pharmacies, retail outlets, and online suppliers.

This MJA systematic review shares more.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain key components of the systematic review
2. List main findings
3. Formulate differential diagnoses of patients with false negative result when using COVID-19 RATs.

Details

Author: Katy JL Bell, Yuyang Li, Ellie Medcalf and Deonna Ackermann

Article Type: Systematic Review