Table 5.

Summary of Testing Considerations for Individuals in Settings With High-Risk of Transmission

Primary Goal of Testing:  Identify COVID-19 cases.  Identify transmission early in course of outbreak in a specific population

Pretest Probability: Moderate-low

Testing strategy:  Screen all individuals at least 1 times per week, using an Ag RDT or NAAT, if local prevalence reaches predefined threshold (eg, 1% test positivity).  May consider prioritizing testing staff and other individuals in setting that are exposed to the community over facility residents not exposed to community.

Positive result: Rapid quarantine and contact tracing. Institute heightened infection prevention activities if evidence of within-setting transmission. Negative result: Continue standard infection control activities.

Abbreviations: Ag, antigen; COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; NAAT, nucleic acid amplification test; RDT, rapid diagnostic test.