Table 3.

Comparison of PCR and rapid test costs

Process stage	Key costs (€)	PCR pathway	RDT pathway	Difference
Diagnostic test	Cost of the test	21.42	27.00	5.58
	Cost of nursing staff to performing the rapid test		12.12	12.12
	Transport of samples to the lab (weekend)	0.61		− 0.61
Patient isolation in ED	Cost of labour to care for isolated patients	45.45	13.26	− 32.20
	Provision of protective clothing	2.25	0.30	− 1.95
	Disposal of contaminated waste	0.05	0.05	N/A
Possible X-raya	Disinfection of X-ray unit/lost radiographer time	9.75	N/A	− 9.75
	Provision of protective clothing	0.25	N/A	− 0.25
	Disposal of contaminated waste	0.03	N/A	− 0.03
Inpatient admissiona	Cost of ED specialists searching for bed space	13.05	N/A	− 13.25
Isolation on normal warda	Lost revenue from unnecessary bed occupancy	N/A	N/A
	Provision of protective clothing	1.37	N/A	− 1.37
	Disposal of contaminated waste	0.02	N/A	− 0.02
Total costs		94.25	52.73	41.52

ED emergency department, PCR polymerase chain reaction, RDT rapid diagnostic test

^aUnnecessary costs for negative cases only