Improvements in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Testing Cascade in the United States: Data From Serial Cross-sectional Assessments. (10th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clipman, Steven J; Wesolowski, Amy; Mehta, Shruti H; Cobey, Sarah; Cummings, Derek A T; Solomon, Sunil S
• Is Part Of: Clinical infectious diseases. Volume 74:Number 9(2022)
• Page Start: 1534
• Page End: 1542
• Publication Date: 2021-08-10
• Subjects: barriers -- COVID-19 -- testing -- trends -- wait times; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; 616.905
• DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab683
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1058-4838

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing is critical for monitoring case counts, early detection and containment of infection, clinical management, and surveillance of variants. However, community-based data on the access, uptake, and barriers to testing have been lacking. Methods: We conducted serial cross-sectional online surveys covering demographics, coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms, and experiences around SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing to characterize the SARS-CoV-2 testing cascade and associated barriers across 10 US states (California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin), from July 2020 to February 2021. Results: In February 2021, across 10 US states, 895 respondents (11%) reported wanting a diagnostic test in the prior 2 weeks, 63% of whom were tested, with limited variability across states. Almost all (97%) who were tested received their results; 56% received their results within 2 days. In Maryland, Florida, and Illinois, where serial data were available at 4 time points, 56% were tested the same day they wanted or needed a test in February 2021, compared with 28% in July 2020, and 45% received results the same day, compared with 17% in July 2020. Wanting a test was significantly more common among younger, nonwhite respondents and participants with a history of symptoms or exposure. Logistical challenges, including not knowing where to go, were the most frequently cited barriers. Conclusions: There were significant improvements in access and turnaround times across US states, yet barriers to testing remained consistent across states, underscoring the importance of a continued focus on testing, even amidst mass vaccination campaigns. Abstract : We measured experiences around SARS-CoV-2 testing across 10 US states July 2020 – February 2021. There were significant improvements in access to testing and turnaround times, but also consistent barriers highlighting the need for continued focus on testing amidst other efforts.