RADx-UP Testing Core: Access to COVID-19 Diagnostics in Community-Engaged Research with Underserved Populations.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities Research
• Epidemiology

Background:

• COVID-19 disproportionately impacted underserved populations, with low SARS-CoV-2 testing rates.
• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) established the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics-Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) program to address this gap.
• RADx-UP represents a significant investment in health disparities and community-engaged research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the experiences of the RADx-UP Testing Core (TC) over its first two years.
• To highlight challenges and insights in deploying large-scale COVID-19 diagnostics in underserved communities.
• To provide a framework for future pandemic preparedness and equitable testing strategies.

Main Methods:

• The RADx-UP Testing Core provided scientific expertise and guidance to community-based investigators.
• Adaptive tools and frameworks were developed to support diverse, community-initiated testing strategies.
• Continuous monitoring of testing strategies and data utilization was implemented.

Main Results:

• The RADx-UP program successfully facilitated community-based research to enhance testing access and uptake.
• A centralized coordinating center provided essential tools, resources, and multidisciplinary expertise.
• Adaptive and real-time technical support was crucial for safe and effective testing deployment.

Conclusions:

• Community-engaged research, supported by centralized resources, can effectively increase testing in underserved populations during pandemics.
• The RADx-UP model offers valuable lessons for rapid diagnostic deployment in future public health crises.
• Equitable access to testing is critical, especially for disproportionately affected communities.