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Covid-19 Tests

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Questions (1930, 1931, 1932)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1930. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 tests which have been administered by private providers and analysed by public laboratories in each week since 1 January 2021. [15957/21]

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Róisín Shortall

Question:

1931. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 tests which have been administered by private providers and analysed by private laboratories in each week since 1 January 2021. [15958/21]

View answer

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1932. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if the results of Covid-19 tests administered by private providers and analysed by private laboratories are reported to the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15959/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1930 to 1932, inclusive, together.

In Ireland, the national testing strategy for COVID-19 involves testing people who meet the case definition (people with symptoms), their identified close contacts, and established serial testing programmes. It is directed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and coordinated by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The national testing strategy has been implemented to ensure that:

- test results are reported to the relevant stakeholders (for monitoring and surveillance purposes as COVID-19 is a notifiable disease);

- contact tracing activities are initiated (where appropriate);

- an incorrect test result does not lead to false reassurance resulting in individuals failing to seek the necessary medical help. During this time, the individual may also unknowingly spread the virus.

Tests in the public system are provided free of charge and there is currently sufficient capacity in the system for testing through this pathway. Members of the public are advised to follow the HSE guidance in respect of testing which is available on the HSE website.

Under the Infectious Disease Regulations (S.I. No. 53/2020 - Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Regulations 2020 which amended the Infectious Diseases Regulations 1981 (S.I. No. 390 of 1981), all medical practitioners, including clinical directors of diagnostic laboratories, are required to notify the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) / Director of Public Health of certain diseases, including COVID-19.

The MOH also reports such cases onwards to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). This is to ensure that test results are reported to relevant stakeholders for monitoring and surveillance purposes and to investigate cases, thus preventing spread of infection and further cases. This requirement also applies to all private testing services who are, therefore, legally obliged to report positive Covid-19 case to the relevant authorities.

As Minister for Health, I do not have statutory responsibility relating to the provision of private COVID-19 testing providers. However, the HSE has published guidance for private testing laboratories undertaking SARS-CoV-2 testing to ensure that all tests are reported and dealt with in an appropriate manner and in line with our infectious disease regulations.

Where the HSE becomes aware of any specific issues with private laboratory reporting, they engage directly with the private testing laboratories to resolve any issues. They communicate the HPSC guidance and monitor the market for new providers to ensure they are aware of their obligations.

Persons who test positive from an antigen test from a private company will not be reported to the HSE. These are unvalidated tests taken outside of the national testing strategy and without appropriate clinical governance and operational arrangements.

Factual, up to date and accessible public facing information on private testing is published on the HSE website at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/testing/private-testing-for-covid-19.html. The HSE advises that if you test positive in this case, you should self-isolate and call your GP. They will arrange for you to avail of a free PCR test within the public testing system.

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