· Pool testing for COVID-19 can be equal to individual testing in terms of sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative prediction rates
· Pooled testing is optimal for use when disease prevalence is low, as prevalence increases, optimal pool sizes decrease and efficiency is lost
· At a prevalence of approximately 1%, optimal pool sizes have been found to be up to 13
· Pools of 5 were found to be equally efficient and could be done using 50% less tests up to a prevalence of 5%
· Recommended for use in large scale asymptomatic screening, highest viral load occurs before symptoms so less likely to miss borderline positive in convalescent stage
· Not recommended for clinical diagnostic use
Badea, A; Muhajarine, N; Dalidowicz, M. Is pooled testing for COVID-19 equally as reliable as individual testing and what are the optimal pool testing sizes? 2020 Aug 14; Document no.: EOC081301 RR. In: COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Reviews [Internet]. SK: SK COVID Evidence Support Team, c2020. 19 p. (CEST rapid review report)