Results from
a study led by UnitedHealth Group Research & Development and
OptumCare showed that COVID-19 tests performed on specimens collected by
patients themselves, rather than healthcare professionals, are on par
with the current approach. Specifically, the sensitivity of self-administered
COVID-19 tests was more than 90%, consistent with
clinician-administered results. The study, prepared for publication,
included almost 500 patients at OptumCare facilities in Washington
state. Widespread adoption of self-sampling would reduce exposure for healthcare workers while improving efficiency.
This makes great sense. It is simply a nasal probe, a Q tip if you will. The problem as is done now is the logistics of setting up a site, operating it, and the gruesome sampling by site staff by jabbing the Q tip up the nose. The cost would drop. It could be set up on line, and all it would require would be a sample tube, Q tip like collector, label numbered and return envelope. It is akin to Ancestry collections. The logistics would best be done by sending to local labs, with 24 hour delivery 24 hour turn around, secure web site report for HIPPA compliance.
Also one could pick up a "kit" at CVS, bring to patient, patient logs in and enters information and gets number for label on kit. Return kit to CVS and daily pickup. 24 hours end to and is doable. No parking lots, no staff, logistics are easy, HIPPA no problem, data entered into system from the get go.
I wonder if Governments even think this way!
Also one could pick up a "kit" at CVS, bring to patient, patient logs in and enters information and gets number for label on kit. Return kit to CVS and daily pickup. 24 hours end to and is doable. No parking lots, no staff, logistics are easy, HIPPA no problem, data entered into system from the get go.
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