Summary

Omicron globally became the predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant in late 2021. Some studies have suggested Omicron has a different replication pattern that could affect detection by rapid antigen tests. Reports in social media have promulgated oral swabs as a superior sample for detecting Omicron in the early stage of infection compared to nasal swabs.

More recently, publications report detection of Omicron by rapid antigen tests is comparable to the Delta Variant and other previous variants.

Learning Objectives

• Examine the latest clinical and scientific evidence related to rapid antigen test detection of COVID-19 in the presence of variants, including Omicron
• Present recently published study results of rapid antigen test performance compared to PCR across sample types in a population infected with Omicron
• Provide an outlook on future variants and potential impact on rapid tests
• Assess clinical and public health guidance on rapid testing as the world transitions from pandemic to endemic patient care

Paul Drain, MD, MPH, Seattle Cancer Center Alliance (SCCA) and University of Washington, USA
“Global Considerations on Omicron Diagnostics”

Amilcar Tanuri, MD, PhD, University of Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL
“Evaluation of Subjects Infected with Omicron Variant Using RT-PCR and Antigen RDT”

Mary Rodgers, PhD, Abbott, USA
“The Abbott Global Surveillance Program: Protecting Public Health Through Viral Molecular Surveillance”

MODERATOR

Rajeeb Debray, MD, Abbott, UK
Pascal M. FREY, MsC, Bern University Hospital, SWITZERLAND