Category: Laboratory Medicine
Can sniffer dogs really detect COVID almost as well as a PCR test? Turns out they can
The dogs detected COVID with a sensitivity of 92% (which refers to their ability to correctly identify those with infection) and a specificity of 91% (their ability to correctly identify those without infection).
BA.2 subvariant causing nearly 1 in 4 new COVID cases tested in UW virology lab
A subvariant of omicron responsible for a wave of new COVID-19 cases in parts of Europe and Asia is also gradually spreading in the United States, including in Washington state.
Screening key to reducing U.S. cancer deaths, panel finds
The United States could substantially reduce cancer deaths by closing gaps in its cancer screening programs, a presidential advisory group has concluded in a new report.
Washington state re-opens COVID-19 test portal for the third time.
Rapid antigen tests can be ordered and shipped directly to Washington households at no-cost.
Washington launches at-home test portal
Beginning today, Washington state residents will be able to visit www.sayyescovidhometest.org to order rapid-antigen COVID tests online, and will receive those tests delivered at no cost.
What Patients Can Learn With Confidence From One Negative Rapid Test (Hint: Very Little)
There are just so many variables. Testing may come either too soon, before enough virus is present to detect, or too late, after a person has already spread the virus to others. And most rapid tests, even according to their instructions, are meant to be used in pairs — generally a day or two apart — for increased accuracy. Despite that, a few brands are sold one to a box and, with the tests sometimes expensive and in short supply, families are often relying on a single screening.
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
Anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or known exposures should get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection.
At-home COVID-19 tests: Why they should be on your shopping list
Planning to get together with family and friends? Whether you’re traveling or hosting, you should consider adding at-home COVID-19 tests to your checklist.
Rapid tests play a crucial role in curbing COVID-19 infections – especially as people gather for the holidays
Covid antigen tests are easy to use and provide results quickly, typically within about 15 minutes.
Why I Still Believe Covid-19 Could Not Have Originated in a Lab – Viewpoint
Lab escape theories cannot clearly account for a virus that has evolved for human-to-human transmissibility.
Over-the-counter rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 can help slow the spread of the delta variant – here’s when to use them
Rapid antigen testing makes it much easier to get tested for COVID-19, which helps detect infectious cases before they spread. But many people are still unsure of how best to use these tests and whether they are accurate enough to be useful.
‘Devastated and sad’ after 36 years of research — early detection of ovarian cancer doesn’t save lives
Of all women’s cancers, ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate
Avoid unusual pop-up COVID-19 testing sites, King County health officials warn
Reputable COVID-19 testing options are available across the county, which provide free testing with rapid and highly accurate results.
U.S. COVID-19 Testing Drops Dramatically
The drop could hamper epidemiologists’ ability to spot and stem new surges of the deadly infection.
Gene Screenings Hold Disease Clues, but Unexplained Anomalies Often Raise Fears
Many genetic findings are ambiguous, leaving doctors uncertain about whether a particular variant is truly dangerous.