False positive results in severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapid antigen tests for inpatients

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 rapid antigen detection (RAD) test kits are widely used as primary screening test in Japan because rapid diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is critical for infection control. We report cases with RAD test false-positive results in a ward for patients with disabilities. RAD tests potentially evoke hospital operational risk. It is desirable that performing PCR test appropriately when patients admitted to a medical treatment ward with COVID-19 symptoms instead of RAD test. (c) 2021 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In Japan, rapid antigen detection (RAD) test kits for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 are widely used as primary screening tests, but cases of false-positive results in a ward for patients with disabilities have raised concerns about potential hospital operational risks. Therefore, it is recommended to perform PCR tests appropriately instead of RAD tests for patients admitted to medical treatment wards with COVID-19 symptoms.