Utility of repeat testing for COVID-19: Laboratory stewardship when the stakes are high

Lindsey M Rearigh; Angela L Hewlett; Paul D Fey; M Jana Broadhurst; David M Brett-Major; Mark E Rupp; Trevor C Van Schooneveld

doi:10.1017/ice.2020.397

Utility of repeat testing for COVID-19: Laboratory stewardship when the stakes are high

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2021 Mar;42(3):338-340. doi: 10.1017/ice.2020.397. Epub 2020 Aug 3.

Authors

Lindsey M Rearigh¹, Angela L Hewlett¹, Paul D Fey², M Jana Broadhurst², David M Brett-Major³, Mark E Rupp¹, Trevor C Van Schooneveld¹

Affiliations

¹ Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.
² Division of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.
³ Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.

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.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
COVID-19 / diagnosis*
COVID-19 Testing / statistics & numerical data*
Child
Child, Preschool
Female
Humans
Infant
Infection Control / organization & administration
Laboratories / supply & distribution*
Male
Middle Aged
Nebraska
Personal Protective Equipment / supply & distribution*
Retrospective Studies
SARS-CoV-2
Young Adult