Evaluation of the usefulness of COVID-19 antigen tests in primary health care on the example of Kashubian Medical Centre in Sierakowice.

Abstract

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is described as a global health crisis. The most typical symptoms of infection prompt most patients to visit a primary care clinic (PCC). From December 2020, COVID-19 can be diagnosed in European Union countries on the basis of a positive antigen test result. These tests are widely used at the primary care level.

Material and methods: The analysis covered the period from 01.09.2021 to 28.02.2022. Statistical analysis was performed on the results of a study of 1,849 patients who underwent antigen testing in primary care clinics at the Kashubian Medical Centre (KCM) in Sierakowice and data published by the Ministry of Health on the results of tests performed from the whole country, Pomeranian Voivodeship and Kartuzy County.

Results: Statistical analysis showed that the results of studies conducted in KCM in Sierakowice (antigen-only tests) were consistent with the results of studies conducted in Kartuzy County, Pomeranian Voivodeship and nationwide (molecular PCR - Polymerase Chain Reaction and antigen tests).

Conclusions: Rapid antigen tests are a useful diagnostic tool in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic because of their easy availability and simplicity of performance, and their widespread dissemination, especially in primary care settings, could contribute to multibillion-dollar savings in the health care system.