P5‐111: SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR and antigen positivity continued for 3 months after treatment for severe COVID‐19: Case report

Background and Purpose: The SARS-CoV-2 antigen test has lower specificity and sensitivity than the PCR test proving SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid, but has the advantage of providing test results in 15 minutes without the need for measuring equipment. Such antigen tests can be used to determine SARS-CoV-2 infection or non-infection in the general population and will provide useful information for social activities. In this study, we investigated the safety and usefulness of self-collection of nasal swab fluid and the sensitivity and specificity of the antigen test. This clinical trial was conducted with the approval of the Clinical Trial Review Committee of Seijin Hospital (Tokyo, Japan). Research design, subjects and evaluation items Subjects: 3898 office workers, participants in music concerts and sports events. PanbioTMCOVID19AgRapidTestDevice Kit for SARSCoV-2 antigen test (Abott Diagnostic Medical) was used for SARS-CoV-2 antigen test. The safety of self-collection of nasal swab fluid was determined by the presence or absence of nasal bleeding. To verify the sensitivity and specificity of the antigen test, the results from the antigen tests were compared with the PCR test (Ct value) results. Results: 1. Safety: 91 out of 3898 (2.3%) had nasal bleeding. 2. Positive and negative concordance rate of antigen test and PCR test: 92.3%. Summary and conclusions Self-specimen collection using the SARS-Cov2 antigen assay kit is safe. The concordance rate between antigen test and PCR test is 92.3%. Panbio TM COVID19 Ag Rapid Test Device Kit for SARSCoV-2 antigen test is useful not only for diagnosis of COVID-19 but also for screening asymptomatic patients. P5-111 | SARS-CoV-2 PCR and antigen positivity continued for 3 months after treatment for severe COVID-19: Case report