Low Utility of Repeat Real-Time PCR Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Clinical Specimens

In a multicenter cohort of 22,315 patients tested for COVID-19, 1676 (7.5%) had repeat testing via real-time polymerase chain reaction following an initial negative test. Of those retested within 7 days of their first negative test, only 2.0% had a positive result. This suggests that repeat testing from the same source is unlikely to provide additional information. (C) 2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research