Screening for SARS-CoV-2 in close contacts of individuals with confirmed infection: performance and operational considerations

A prospective diagnostic accuracy study was conducted among close contacts of COVID-19- cases in Brazil, in order to to understand trade-offs in test selection and inform screening strategies regarding the timing and frequency of testing and performance characteristics. Two anterior nares swabs (ANS), a nasopharyngeal swab (NPS), and saliva were collected at all visits. Vaccination history and symptoms were assessed. Household contacts were followed longitudinally. Three rapid antigen tests and one molecular method were evaluated for usability and performance against reference RT-PCR on NPS.