Time interval between onset of symptoms and COVID-19 testing in Brazilian state capitals, August 2020^*

Abstract

Objective

To analyze notifications of flu-like syndrome according to the time interval between onset of symptoms and testing for COVID-19.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study using records of flu-like syndrome cases containing results of COVID-19 diagnostic tests in the Brazilian state capitals and Federal District, held on the e-SUS Notifica system, from March 1^st, 2020 to August 18^th, 2020. The time interval between symptom onset and testing was compared using the ANOVA test, classifying it according to test adequacy/timeliness.

Results

Taking 1,942,514 notifications, average time between symptom onset and testing was 10.2 days (±17.1). Among those tested, females (55.1%), people aged 20-39 years (43.8%), and the Southeast region of Brazil (43.0%) predominated. 58.8% of IgM ELISA tests were performed at an adequate time while 68.0% of rapid antigen tests were not performed at an adequate time.

Conclusion

Inadequacy was found between symptom onset and time taken to test for COVID-19 in the Brazilian regions.

Coronavirus Infections; Laboratory Test; Serologic Tests; Public Health Surveillance; Cross-Sectional Studies