Epidemiologist concerned over rapid COVID-19 test usage in B.C.
Posted December 26, 2021 5:54 pm.
Last Updated December 26, 2021 6:07 pm.
A University of Toronto infection control epidemiologist is voicing concerns over the use of rapid COVID-19 tests in B.C.
“We’re going to run out of rapid tests, so using them foolishly, I think, is a really bad idea,” says Colin Furness.
Last week, people waited for hours to get PCR tests. At some testing sites within Vancouver Coastal Health, staff told people PCR tests were only going to be administered to vulnerable people. Those who don’t fall in that category have been given rapid test kits to take home.
This is an enormously useful personal risk assessment tool. https://t.co/tGnBPaQ0tI
— Colin Furness (@FurnessColin) November 11, 2021
The shift means unless you’re 65 or older, or have an underlying condition or are very sick, you’re probably going to get a rapid test if you need a diagnosis.
But Furness says the rapid tests have limited value.
“For B.C. or anybody to be trying to use them as a stop-gap or a substitute for proper diagnostic testing is a huge mistake because it gives an incorrect impression of what the test does. It’s a waste of resources.”
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He strongly recommends only using PCR tests.
“If you don’t happen to take the rapid test at your peak contagiousness, it can come back negative. That can give you a false sense of security,” he says.
“Rapid tests are enormously useful for answering one key screening question: Are you contagious at this moment? That’s all a rapid test does.”
JUST IN: On Christmas Eve, BC breaks daily COVID-19 case count for fourth straight day, despite PCR test rationing: #bcpoli #COVID19 https://t.co/TtJNTItY5q
— Martin MacMahon (@martinmacmahon) December 24, 2021
The province is now asking you not to head to a testing site if your symptoms are mild.
Instead, you’re asked to stay home 10 days if unvaccinated, seven if you’ve had your shots.
