Age-related differences in SARS-CoV-2 testing in the Northern Region of New Zealand
New Zealand Medical Journal
; 133(1519):70-80, 2020.
Article
in English
| Scopus | ID: covidwho-1755597
ABSTRACT
AIM:
There is concern the low incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children reflects undertesting in this population. This study sought to describe the age-distribution of SARS-CoV-2 testing in the Northern Region of New Zealand.METHODS:
A retrospective single-centre review of all SARS-CoV-2 tests performed at LabPLUS, Auckland City Hospital, between 12 February and 18 April 2020.RESULTS:
A total of 22,333 tests were performed, with 313 (1.40%) positive results. The age-adjusted SARS-CoV-2 testing rate was three times higher in adults than in children. The overall proportion of positive tests was lower in children (0.86%) than adults (1.45%). However, within the paediatric population the proportion of tests positive differed significantly between those <10 years old (0.08%) and those 10-14 years old (2.6%).CONCLUSION:
The lower proportion of tests positive in children <10 years of age suggests they are appropriately tested relative to their rates of disease. A large high school-associated cluster makes the higher proportion of tests positive in children 10-14 years old difficult to interpret. Older children may have a higher risk of infection and increasing testing in intermediate and high school aged children may be indicated. © 2020 New Zealand Medical Association. All rights reserved.
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Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
Scopus
Language:
English
Journal:
New Zealand Medical Journal
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
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