LAUSR

Key Points Question What is the diagnostic sensitivity of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) by date of symptom onset among patients presenting to the hospital? Findings In this diagnostic study, the sensitivity of the first SARS-CoV-2 NAAT performed in the hospital was high within 14 days of symptom onset. Diagnostic yield was highest among patients presenting on day 10 of illness. Meaning The high diagnostic sensitivity of the NAAT in this study suggests that 1 negative test result can rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients in the emergency department; only patients with high clinical pretest probability of disease should undergo repeated testing.