Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2020
283. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he has costed a move towards a Covid-19 saliva sample testing system; if so, the estimated full-year cost of conducting 35,000 tests per day via the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27806/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 nasopharyngeal-oropharyngeal specimens with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
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.
As the current plan is to continue to test by PCR, any spend on alternative tests to PCR is likely to be in addition to, rather than instead of, PCR. Therefore, to date, cost estimates in respect of saliva sample testing have not been created.
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, an Evidence Review to inform this consideration was published by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on 21st August 2020. HIQA is currently in the process of updating this review in light of the ongoing developments in the field.
This issue continues to be under active consideration by the NPHET.
