Diagnostic Value of Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Test (Panbio, Abbott) Compared to RT- PCR in Suspected Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Infection at a Tertiary Care Center

Objective: To determine the diagnostic value of rapid COVID-19 antigen test (Panbio, Abbott) in comparison with Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) suspected community cases SARS-CoV-2 infection at a tertiary care center Pakistan 
 Study Design: Cross sectional study.
 Place and Duration Study: Pathology Department, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore Pakistan, from Jun 2020 to 2021.
 Methodology: The Panbio®COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Abbott), was determined RT-PCR on samples taken simultaneously. 200 individuals reporting hospital signs symptoms potential COVID or history significant contact exposure (>1 hour without masking social distancing) positive patient concurrently requiring due an underlying health condition were included study by consecutive sampling.Results: Out individuals, 53(26.5 %) RT–PCR whereas 147(73.5%) clearly negative no indeterminate viremia RT PCR. 32(60.3%) out 53 also found be Test, 21(39.6%) negative. 147 cases,146(99.3%) as well 1(0.68%) positive.
 Conclusion: is suitable adjunct testing emergent settings early days admission.