Abstract Introduction RT‐PCR is widely used as a diagnostic test for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2. In this study, we aim to describe the clinical utility of serial PCR testing in the final detection of COVID‐19. Method We collected multiple nasopharyngeal swab samples from patients who had negative RT‐PCR test on the first day after hospitalization. RT‐PCR tests were performed on the second day for all patients with initial negative result. For the patients with secondary negative results on day 2, tertiary RT‐PCR tests were performed on day 3 after hospitalization. Result Among 68 patients with initial negative test results, at the end of follow‐up, the mortality number was 20 (29.4%). About 33.8% of patients had subsequent positive PCR test results for the second time and 17.4% of the patients who performed third PCR test had positive result. Conclusion Based on this study, serial RT‐PCR testing is unlikely to yield additional information. Among 68 patients with initial negative test results, 33.8% of patients had subsequent positive PCR test results for second time and 17.4% of the patients who performed third PCR test had positive result. Performing serial RT‐PCR tests could not significantly increase the detection capability of SARS‐COV‐2 after initial negative test results. Repeated RT‐PCR tests in short time intervals for patients with initial negative results also remained negative.
【저자키워드】 COVID‐19, repeat positivity/negativity, RT‐PCR, 【초록키워드】 Mortality, Hospitalization, diagnostic test, diagnostic, COVID‐19, SARS‐CoV‐2, Nasopharyngeal swab, PCR testing, Patient, PCR test, information, test results, time interval, time intervals, positive result, positive PCR test, clinical utility, Final, nasopharyngeal swab sample, negative test, Performing, RT‐PCR, RT‐PCR test, initial, Result, performed, collected, significantly, the patient, subsequent, remained, unlikely, 【제목키워드】 polymerase chain,