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SARS‐CoV‐2 rapid detection is of great interest to prevent viral dissemination. In that sense, antigen tests appeared as a very valuable tool to reach this goal. However, it is possible to obtain a negative result in those patients with low viral loads, and consequently, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) should be performed on samples from patients with a negative antigen test in which there is a strong suspicion of COVID infection. The common diagnostic algorithm involves taking a second sample for RT‐PCR testing. This study evaluates the usefulness of the antigen test sample for carrying out RT‐PCR analysis when necessary. Results obtained indicate that can be used a unique sample for both antigen test and RT‐PCR. This data showed that it is possible to reduce excessive suspected individuals managing and so on increase staff security and patient comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]