(SHORT) Thread
NEW paper on RAPID TESTS
Another terrific study showing rapid tests WORK & can be key tools to combat this virus
Of 897 people w high virus (Ct<25): 888 were detected w Rapid Test
Sens: 99.1%
Spec: 99.5%
medrxiv.org/content/10.110…
*repeat tweet b/c typo in last
NEW paper on RAPID TESTS
Another terrific study showing rapid tests WORK & can be key tools to combat this virus
Of 897 people w high virus (Ct<25): 888 were detected w Rapid Test
Sens: 99.1%
Spec: 99.5%
medrxiv.org/content/10.110…
*repeat tweet b/c typo in last
THINK
If these ppl were screening, this would be 888 INFECTIOUS ppl who'd KNOW they’re contagious–and be empowered to act IMMEDIATELY Instead
In USA today, these 888 INFECTIOUS ppl would simply NOT be tested OR find out ~3-7 days later -> often AFTER contagiousness clears!
2/
If these ppl were screening, this would be 888 INFECTIOUS ppl who'd KNOW they’re contagious–and be empowered to act IMMEDIATELY Instead
In USA today, these 888 INFECTIOUS ppl would simply NOT be tested OR find out ~3-7 days later -> often AFTER contagiousness clears!
2/
In this study there was a specificity of 99.5%!
In other words, out of 1000 tests, 5 people would be called falsely positive
This is OK–simply test again- w another rapid confirmatory test that should come with the first test. Those 5 would NOT be likely to be pos on both
3/
In other words, out of 1000 tests, 5 people would be called falsely positive
This is OK–simply test again- w another rapid confirmatory test that should come with the first test. Those 5 would NOT be likely to be pos on both
3/
POPULATION SCREENING with frequent rapid tests (at home) will allow people to go about days more safely. Do everything else the same. But IF +ve, isolate.
If they can't isolate - for any number of reasons - they'd at least KNOW that they are +ve and can try to limit spread.
4/
If they can't isolate - for any number of reasons - they'd at least KNOW that they are +ve and can try to limit spread.
4/
For many ppl who WILL have to go to work either way and are reluctant to test for fear of no income... these tests will empower them.
If choice is (i) work and NOT know or (ii) work and KNOW infectious... I choose (ii) any day!!
Small changes even at work can limit spread
5/
If choice is (i) work and NOT know or (ii) work and KNOW infectious... I choose (ii) any day!!
Small changes even at work can limit spread
5/
RIght now, our status quo is simply no testing, making testing so difficult that most don't get tested till late, or delays causing test results to come back late.
Essentially, no one gets notified in the USA today w results IN TIME to really act to limit spread.
6/
Essentially, no one gets notified in the USA today w results IN TIME to really act to limit spread.
6/
Lets get inexpensive rapid tests BUILT and distributed by the govnt (or w govnt help) to people's homes, works (if appropriate), schools,etc
An infectious case caught is potentially 10's-1000's of cases prevented
This is how we stop this pandemic
7/7
time.com/5912705/covid-…
An infectious case caught is potentially 10's-1000's of cases prevented
This is how we stop this pandemic
7/7
time.com/5912705/covid-…
In the comments, @IHoward1749 (sarcastically) hits nail on head:
"It’s obviously more important to let those 888 people go to work, school, or family gatherings than forego certainty of identifying [all] 897"
"It’s obviously more important to let those 888 people go to work, school, or family gatherings than forego certainty of identifying [all] 897"
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