This study plans to compare a direct antigen test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) obtained by mid-turbinate nasal swab with a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) test obtained by nasopharyngeal swab (the current reference standard) in a population of patients with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 for fewer than 5 days. Subjects whose physicians have already ordered an rt-PCR test at a Carilion testing center will be screened and recruited by phone during a required scheduling call. The study coordinator will describe the study by phone, and the subject will be consented when they arrive at the testing center. After consenting, a mid-turbinate swab direct antigen test will be obtained just prior to the ordered nasopharyngeal swab and any other ordered tests. The subjects will receive their rt-PCR test results through the usual channels of clinical notification. The subjects will not receive their nasal antigen results. The antigen test results will be analyzed in a batch process and the results entered into RedCap by the study staff. The rt-PCR results will be extracted from the Epic electronic health record using patient identifiers and paired with the corresponding antigen result for statistical analysis.
A comparison of a direct antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 obtained by mid-turbinate swab with the reference standard rt-PCR test obtained by nasopharyngeal swab in outpatients with symptoms compatible with COVID-19.