Expert Consensus on Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Testing(2022)

The epidemic of the highly contagious, long lasting and widely popular coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has imposed a huge burden to the global public health. As one of the key methods for early diagnosis of COVID-19 infection, rapid acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigen testing has been gradually applied in China. To address concerns raised by both health care workers and the public, based on the latest research and clinical practices, the Sub-committee of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Chinese Hospital Association proposed Expert Consensus on Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Testing (2022). The consensus panel is composed of experts from multiple disciplines, including laboratory medicine, clinical medicine, infection control, public health, research and development of in vitro diagnostic products. The consensus describes its principle, technological characteristics, results interpretation and disposal recommendations, and analyzes the strategies and matters needing attention in different application scenarios. We expect the consensus to help correct understanding and application of rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of COVID-19.