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Utility of repeat testing for COVID-19: Laboratory stewardship when the stakes are high
Lindsey M Rearigh1, Angela L Hewlett1, Paul D Fey2
1Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.
Insights
Serial testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) offers limited value in areas with low prevalence. Diagnostic stewardship is crucial for managing resources during widespread testing supply shortages.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The ongoing circulation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) necessitates effective testing strategies.
- National shortages of testing supplies and personal protective equipment impact healthcare resource management.
- Diagnostic stewardship is essential for optimizing the use of limited hospital resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of serial testing for COVID-19 in a low-prevalence setting.
- To inform diagnostic stewardship practices amidst resource constraints.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of COVID-19 testing data.
- Assessment of serial testing protocols in a defined low-prevalence population.
Main Results:
- Serial testing demonstrated low utility in identifying new cases within the studied population.
- The yield of repeated diagnostic tests was minimal in this low-prevalence context.
Conclusions:
- Serial COVID-19 testing is not an effective strategy in low-prevalence environments.
- Resource management through diagnostic stewardship is vital to conserve testing supplies and personnel.
Abstract:
As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to circulate, testing strategies are of the utmost importance. Given national shortages of testing supplies, personal protective equipment, and other hospital resources, diagnostic stewardship is necessary to aid in resource management. We report the low utility of serial testing in a low-prevalence setting.
