SARS-CoV-2 screening in patients in need of urgent inpatient treatment in the Emergency Department (ED) by digitally integrated point-of-care PCR: A clinical cohort study

Patients in need of urgent inpatient treatment were recruited prospectively. A rapid point of care PCR test (POC-PCR; Liat®) for SARS-CoV2 was conducted in the ED and a second PCR-test from the same swab was ordered in the central laboratory (CL-PCR). POC-PCR analyzers were digitally integrated in the laboratory information system.

Overall, 160 ED patients were included. A valid POC-PCR-test result was available in 96.3% (n=154) of patients. N=16 patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (10.0%). The POC PCR test results were available within 102 minutes (median, IQR: 56-211), which was significantly earlier compared to the CL PCR (811 minutes; IQR: 533-1289, p < 0.001). The diagnostic accuracy of the POC-PCR test was 100%. The implementation and digital LIS integration was successfully done. Staff satisfaction with the POC process was high.

The POC-PCR testing in the emergency department is feasible and shows a very high diagnostic performance.

Trial registration: DRKS00019207