The Pennsylvania Department of Health released Pennsylvania Health Alert 532 – 10/8/20 – ADV on point of care antigen test use and interpretation. The availability and use of antigen tests to detect SARS-CoV-2 is increasing. The main advantage of using these antigen tests is the rapid turnaround time for results; however, these tests are not as sensitive as molecular tests. This guidance is designed to describe what an antigen test is and how it differs from PCR testing, some best practices for sites conducting these tests, when point of care (POC) antigen testing should be considered, and circumstances that should be considered when interpreting antigen test results. Click here to view all the 2020 PA Health Alerts, Advisories and Updates.
