Research and analysis

SARS-CoV-2 RNA testing: assurance of positive results during periods of low prevalence

Guidance for procedures to be implemented in laboratories to provide assurance of positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA results during periods of low prevalence.

• From: Public Health England
• Published: 7 September 2020
• Last updated: 16 October 2020 — See all updates

Documents

Assurance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive results during periods of low prevalence

HTML

Details

This document provides guidance for procedures to be implemented in laboratories to provide assurance of positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA results during periods of low prevalence, when there is a reduction in the predictive value of positive test results. This guidance is applicable to all laboratories to help guide the interpretation of positive results.

It includes background information, explains the problem and details actions that should be considered by all laboratories providing SARS-CoV-2 RNA testing.

The V30 form is available to laboratories that do not have facilities to confirm positive results locally.

Published 7 September 2020
Last updated 16 October 2020 + show all updates

1. 16 October 2020

   Added information on the determination of COVID-19 during periods of low prevalence.

2. 9 September 2020

   Added link to V30 sample request form.

3. 7 September 2020

   First published.