Time to SARS-CoV-2 PCR Clearance in Immunocompromising Conditions: Is Test-Based Removal From Isolation Necessary in Severely Immunocompromised Individuals?
Rachel L EpsteinHeather SperringMelissa HofmanSara LodiLaura F WhiteJoshua A BarocasTara C BoutonYian XiaoHeather E HsuNancy S MillerBenjamin P LinasJai G MarathePublished in: Open forum infectious diseases (2021)
To determine the association between immunosuppression and time to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) clearance, we studied 3758 adults retested following initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cox proportional hazards models demonstrated delayed PCR clearance with older age, multiple comorbidities, and solid organ transplant but not by degree of immunocompromise. These findings challenge current retesting practices.