Age-related differences in SARS-CoV-2 testing in the Northern Region of New Zealand

AIM: There is concern the low incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children reflects under-testing 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