Top 5 Takeaways

1. Multiple Testing Programs: UT Austin implemented three types of SARS-CoV-2 testing programs: clinic-based diagnostic testing, voluntary community screening, and targeted screening for specific student populations.
2. Detection of Asymptomatic Cases: Targeted screening identified a higher proportion of asymptomatic cases (37.5%) compared to community testing (23%) and clinic-based testing (5.8%).
3. Demographic Differences: Infected students identified through targeted screening were more likely to be non-Hispanic White and less likely to engage in public health measures.
4. Exposure Locations: Infected students from targeted screening reported higher exposures in restaurants and fitness facilities, while community and clinic-based testing reported more exposures in private residences.
5. Importance of Complementary Testing: Complementary testing programs, including targeted screening, can enhance case detection and control SARS-CoV-2 transmission, especially among asymptomatic individuals.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Kayleigh Nerhood, kayleighnerhood11@gmail.com

Suggested Citation

Nerhood KJ, James ER, Hardin A, et al. Screening Programs for SARS-CoV-2 Infections on a University Campus — Austin, Texas, September 30–November 30, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1201–1205. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7035a4

Summary

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) implemented various SARS-CoV-2 testing programs in Fall 2020, including clinic-based diagnostic testing, voluntary community screening, and targeted screening for specific student populations. Between September 30 and November 30, 2020, these programs conducted 32,401 tests, identifying 401 unique COVID-19 cases. Targeted screening identified a higher proportion of asymptomatic cases and a different demographic profile compared to other testing methods.

Methods

UT Austin employed three SARS-CoV-2 testing programs: clinic-based diagnostic testing for symptomatic or exposed individuals, voluntary community testing for asymptomatic individuals, and targeted screening for students at high-risk events. Tests included NAATs and antigen tests, with results reported to Dell Medical School for contact tracing. Statistical analyses were conducted using chi square tests and one-way ANOVA.

Discussion

Targeted screening identified a higher proportion of asymptomatic cases and a different demographic profile compared to clinic-based and community testing. This suggests that complementary testing programs are essential for identifying and controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission, especially among asymptomatic individuals and those less likely to engage in public health measures.

Conclusion

Complementary testing programs, including targeted screening, are crucial for effective SARS-CoV-2 detection and control on university campuses. These programs can identify asymptomatic cases and reach populations that might not be detected through other testing methods. Further research is needed to explore targeted testing in other high-risk settings.

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