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.
