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. 2022 Feb;84(2):e3-e5.
doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2021.12.037. Epub 2021 Dec 30.

Implementation study of SARS-CoV-2 antigen lateral flow tests in men's professional (Premiership) rugby union sports squads in England during the COVID-19 pandemic

Lorna S Finch  1 , Adrian Harris  2 , Catherine Lester  3 , Dawn Veal  2 , Karen Jones  4 , Jamie Fulton  2 , Lewis Jones  2 , Matt Lee  5 , Tony Walker  2 , Mike Rossiter  6 , Matt Cross  7 , Simon Kemp  8 , Tom Fletcher  9 , Emily R Adams  10
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Implementation study of SARS-CoV-2 antigen lateral flow tests in men's professional (Premiership) rugby union sports squads in England during the COVID-19 pandemic

Lorna S Finch et al. J Infect. 2022 Feb.

Abstract

This study evaluated the validity and utility of antigen-detection rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) for SARS-CoV-2 in elite sports. The data on utility, ease of use and application for Ag-RDTs as a new testing format were positive from players and staff. This evaluation was limited by the low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 circulating within the three squads. This study highlights the need for continued service evaluations for SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDTs in elite sport settings.

Keywords: Asymptomatic screening; Elite sports; RT-qPCR, Young adults; Rapid diagnostic test.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest ER is Director of Epidemic and Neglected Diseases at Mologic. All remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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