A rapid and cost-effective diagnostic algorithm for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the emergency area by combining highly sensitive antigenic test and RT-PCR.

A diagnostic algorithm for SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients admitted to the emergency area, based on a combination of rapid antigen and molecular testing, has been evaluated with 3070 nasopharyngeal swabs. Compared to molecular test alone, the proposed algorithm allowed to significantly reduce costs and average time to results.