Covid-19-rt-pcr-testing-for-elite-athletes
Toresdahl BG, Asif IM. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Considerations for the Competitive Athlete. Sports Health. 2020;12(3):221-4. Watson J, Wh
Toresdahl BG, Asif IM. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Considerations for the Competitive Athlete. Sports Health. 2020;12(3):221-4. Watson J, Whiting PF, Brush JE. Interpreting a covid-19 test result. BMJ. 2020;369:m1808. Eikenberry SE, Mancuso M, Iboi E, Phan T, Eikenberry K, Kuang Y, Kostelich E, Gumel AB. To mask or not to mask: Modeling the potential for face mask
Form an expert group
An expert, multidisciplinary group with input from clinical virology, microbiology, public health, infectious diseases and sports medicine provides optimal implementation and interpretation of testing
Prevention is best
Interventions to prevent COVID-19 transmission should be implemented consistently (1,2) and include:
- Effective hand hygiene.
- Physical distancing: athletes should minimise discretionary social contacts and maintain a distance of at least one metre from others.
- Wearing a mask at all times when around others, especially indoors.
- Prioritising outdoor over indoor activity where possible.
COVID-19 and RT-PCR testing
The current gold standard of testing is RT-PCR testing (4-6). The test is highly sensitive and specific to SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in laboratory conditions (2). Test results should be interpretated on the basis of the pre-test probability, previous test results and clinical history. Test sensitivity and specificity will rely on the: i) quality and location of swabbing; ii) testing equipment and reagents; and, iii) laboratory expertise.
Close contacts (7) to a positive-testing athlete should be isolated and proceed with daily monitoring for symptoms and temperature, and where available testing. If the contact is asymptomatic and COVID-19 RT-PCR tests are negative at 7 day follow-up, the close contact could be considered for a return to sport, depending on discussions with local public health authorities.
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