Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
1268. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the work of the expert group which is examining alternative testing methods for Covid-19 including a less invasive nasal swab and a cheek saliva swab both of which could be of particular benefit to young children; if the introduction of new testing methods will have an impact on cost or testing capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21867/20]
View answerThe accurate and timely detection of SARS-CoV-2 facilitates public health surveillance, response and control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current standard of care in Ireland for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) involves testing of clinician-collected combined nasopharyngealoropharyngeal specimens with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). RT-PCR is considered the 'gold standard' in diagnostics for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the acute phase of infection.
The collection of nasopharyngeal swabs by healthcare workers involves an invasive technique that is uncomfortable for the patient, which is of particular concern for paediatric populations. A relative degree of skill is required by the provider, and due to risk of transmission, the procedure necessitates substantial personal protective equipment. Other issues include the potential for a shortage of swabs during large scale testing initiatives. Alternative specimens from the upper respiratory tract, such as saliva or nasal, may offer a means to mitigate these limitations.
In light of this, the Clinical Expert Advisory Group (EAG) which was established to support the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in their response to COVID-19 was requested to advise on the use of alternative clinical specimens or sites for the diagnosis of COVID-19, particularly for paediatric populations. An Evidence Review to inform this consideration was published by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on 21st August 2020.
This issue continues to be kept under active consideration by the NPHET.
