Rapid COVID-19 Testing of Symptomatic Health Care Personnel: A Strategy for Safely Maintaining the Workforce

J Occup Environ Med. 2024 Dec 30. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003306. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Determine performance characteristics and safety outcomes of two rapid COVID-19 screening methods to inform immediate return to work (RTW) decisions while (health care personnel) HCP await results of pending confirmatory laboratory test. Retrospective, occupational health quality improvement study comparing screening with rapid SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) and antigen test. 531 mildly symptomatic HCP screened over 16 months. Until more accurate affordable NAAT tests become available, antigen test screening alone addresses simultaneous needs to minimize COVID-19 transmission from symptomatic HCP and maintain an adequate workforce.