@cdc Now >10 days since CDC recalled kits w still no explanation for failure. Failure to share what went wrong hinders progress by all labs nationwide. Expeditious sharing of information is a must during epidemics. We say this to China and CDC should practice as well. 2/7 ...
@cdc Without more information, public health labs & well resourced hospital labs setting up CDC published assay in-house are held at complete standstill, unable to prepare for what will inevitably be concern for local transmission. 3/7 ....
@cdc Without rapid diagnostics ready to go, healthcare infrastructure may become rapidly inundated, even if cases turn out all negative - an abundance of caution will require quarantines until test rules out a case. Any backlog can quickly hamper hospitals. 4/7...
@cdc Additionally, recommendations for testing continue to tie in to recent travel to China or some contact. With cases in at least 28 countries, and local transmission increasing, testing and surveillance nationally must move forward. 5/7 ...
@cdc For a country with arguably the greatest resources - we are far behind in our surveillance efforts. Now that China has bought us some time w stringent quarantines, we should be using it wisely - beginning with an ability to properly diagnose cases if and when they come in. 7/7
As someone responsible for overseeing virology diagnostics at our hospital @harvardmed @BrighamWomens - the need for clarity and quick turnaround is paramount to keep the hospital running smoothly in event of local transmission. So far, process from CDC leaves much to be desired
Number is up to four public health labs. Here is some good coverage of this issue from @politico @davidalim.
Problems with CDC coronavirus test delay expanded U.S. screening politi.co/2SMQRxr
Problems with CDC coronavirus test delay expanded U.S. screening politi.co/2SMQRxr
