Interim Guidance for Rapid Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2 Updated

Posted in COVID-19, Senior Living

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP
Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare

This guidance was last updated on August 29, 2020. It should be used to guide the interpretation of antigen testing results in the following circumstances:

  • Testing of symptomatic residents and healthcare personnel (HCP)
  • Testing of asymptomatic residents and HCP in facilities as part of an COVID-19 outbreak response
  • Testing of asymptomatic HCP in facilities without a COVID-19 outbreak as required by CMS regulation  

CDC has also developed a printable algorithm that visually proceeds through the considerations for testing asymptomatic and symptomatic residents or HCP. It also provides clarification for when, and if, a confirmatory RT-PCR test is needed. Please note, this algorithm should be used as a guide, but clinical decisions may deviate from this guide if indicated.