# Model for Interpreting Discordant SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic Test Results

## TL;DR

A model was created to help understand conflicting SARS-CoV-2 test results, showing a low chance of infection when rapid antigen tests are positive but nucleic acid tests are negative.

## Contribution

A novel model was developed to interpret discordant SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test results in clinical settings.

## Key findings

- A patient with a positive rapid antigen test followed by a negative nucleic acid test had a 15.4% chance of being infected.
- The model estimates infection probabilities during March 2020–May 2022 in the United States.

## Abstract

We devised a model to interpret discordant SARS-CoV-2 test results. We estimate that, during March 2020–May 2022, a patient in the United States who received a positive rapid antigen test result followed by a negative nucleic acid test result had only a 15.4% (95% CI 0.6%–56.7%) chance of being infected.