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#Ontario is trying to deploy 385,000 rapid antigen tests per week in #LTC homes for asymptomatic #COVID19 screening: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/60337/ontario-deploys-rapid-tests-to-more-essential-workplaces-and-settings
This is a bad idea for several reasons—not only is this infeasible, but it will be practically impossible for most homes to complete.
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This is a bad idea for several reasons—not only is this infeasible, but it will be practically impossible for most homes to complete.
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Currently asymptomatic staff undergo weekly PCR testing, much of which is completed on-site at #LTC homes and testing is staggered throughout the week.
Essential family caregivers complete PCR testing off-site at assessment centres or pharmacies (some are done at homes).
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Essential family caregivers complete PCR testing off-site at assessment centres or pharmacies (some are done at homes).
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A shifts towards rapid antigen testing will require testing 2-3x/week (in Yellow/Orange/Red/Grey high prevalence zones) or 1x/week (in Green zones): https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/Antigen_Screening_Guidance_2020-12-30.pdf
The high frequency of testing compensates for the test's poor sensitivity: https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n208
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The high frequency of testing compensates for the test's poor sensitivity: https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n208
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Since swab collection requires a regulated healthcare professional, a forced move towards rapid antigen testing will exacerbate the existing staffing crisis in #LTC homes.
This comes at a time when homes are already overburdened with vaccine rollout and managing outbreaks.
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This comes at a time when homes are already overburdened with vaccine rollout and managing outbreaks.
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There are also substantial concerns about increasing unpaid time for #LTC staff—there are no concrete plans to compensate these already underpaid workers to show up early for work 3x/week to complete their rapid antigen testing (and await results before entry into a home).
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There are other logistical issues. Homes estimate they will each need 2 full-time equivalent staff on a 24/7 basis to operate rapid antigen testing—where are these staff coming from and who will pay for them? If extra staff can't be hired, resident care could be compromised.
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Space is also a big problem in already overcrowded #LTC homes. Where do staff wait to be tested or for results (before they start their shift)?
The Ministry suggested staff wait in their car...reality check...many staff can't afford their own cars and take public transit.
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The Ministry suggested staff wait in their car...reality check...many staff can't afford their own cars and take public transit.
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There is also the cost for biohazard waste, and it's unclear how homes will oversee the entire process (all positive results still need to be confirmed with PCR testing).
The Germans have called rapid testing in #LTC homes "easier said than done": https://ltccovid.org/2020/11/24/rapid-covid-19-testing-in-care-homes-in-germany-easier-said-than-done/
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The Germans have called rapid testing in #LTC homes "easier said than done": https://ltccovid.org/2020/11/24/rapid-covid-19-testing-in-care-homes-in-germany-easier-said-than-done/
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I understand the outrage over the underuse of rapid tests, but we should not be forcing these upon a vulnerable, understaffed and overextended LTC sector, especially when there is no clear evidence that a shift to rapid testing will prevent outbreaks: https://www.tvo.org/article/heres-ontarios-rapid-testing-update
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