Economic evaluation of COVID-19 rapid antigen screening programs in the workplace

Diagnostic testing has been pivotal in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infections and reducing transmission through the isolation of positive cases. This study quantified the value of implementing frequent, rapid antigen (RA) testing in the workplace to identify screening programs that are cost-effective. The findings provide important insights which can inform testing strategies. The modeling outcomes suggest that RA testing of asymptomatic infection could provide substantial economic benefits, especially when the capacity for RT-PCR testing with rapid turnaround times is limited. Coverage of booster vaccination among working adults remains an important consideration in the implementation of RA screening. As the booster coverage increases, greater monetary benefits may be achieved by an RA workplace-screening program; however, depending on the starting time of screening during a surge, such benefits may be comparable or even lower than those accrued by testing only severe cases.