-the order free test program is currently suspended, which the link indicates. It could become active again so I’d leave that link but maybe more towards the end of section.
-the get tests via private health insurance link also doesn’t work. If I’m understanding correctly this is likely because once the PHE ended, many insurance companies no longer cover the cost of tests (steering committee can maybe weigh in with their experience and/or Medicare process)
I’d suggest something that more accurately reflects the current landscape such as:
“It’s a good idea to have a testing and treatment plan in place. PCR testing has become more difficult to access. PCR tests can sometimes detect the virus before a Rapid antigen test so can potentially lead to faster treatment or more accurate result for gathering safely. High risk patients should investigate where and how they will access PCR quality testing.”
Another option is at home molecular testing. These tests are more accurate than rapid antigen tests, providing results comparable to a PCR test at home. The main companies offering them are:
cue: at https://cuehealth.com
metrix at https://shop.aptitudemedical.com/products/metrix-covid-19-test
Lucira:
They offer a combination Flu/Covid test, which is slightly less accurate than the above but still more accurate than most rapid tests:
https://www.lucirabypfizer.com/
Question: can/should we add a blurb about the reduced accuracy of rapid tests with current strains, which tests seem most accurate (ie Flowflex), suggestion and tips on swabbing throat/cheek in addition to nose? The steering committee has been working on getting that verbiage added to test instructions but not sure when/if that will happen. Sometimes the mouth swab can make the difference between getting a positive result or not.
TESTS:
-the order free test program is currently suspended, which the link indicates. It could become active again so I’d leave that link but maybe more towards the end of section.
-the get tests via private health insurance link also doesn’t work. If I’m understanding correctly this is likely because once the PHE ended, many insurance companies no longer cover the cost of tests (steering committee can maybe weigh in with their experience and/or Medicare process)
I’d suggest something that more accurately reflects the current landscape such as:
“It’s a good idea to have a testing and treatment plan in place. PCR testing has become more difficult to access. PCR tests can sometimes detect the virus before a Rapid antigen test so can potentially lead to faster treatment or more accurate result for gathering safely. High risk patients should investigate where and how they will access PCR quality testing.”
Some but not all Walgreens locations still offer Rapid antigen and molecular tests in addition to PCR tests https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/covid-testing.jsp
Another option is at home molecular testing. These tests are more accurate than rapid antigen tests, providing results comparable to a PCR test at home. The main companies offering them are: cue: at https://cuehealth.com metrix at https://shop.aptitudemedical.com/products/metrix-covid-19-test Lucira: They offer a combination Flu/Covid test, which is slightly less accurate than the above but still more accurate than most rapid tests: https://www.lucirabypfizer.com/
Question: can/should we add a blurb about the reduced accuracy of rapid tests with current strains, which tests seem most accurate (ie Flowflex), suggestion and tips on swabbing throat/cheek in addition to nose? The steering committee has been working on getting that verbiage added to test instructions but not sure when/if that will happen. Sometimes the mouth swab can make the difference between getting a positive result or not.
I’d also add
Some rapid tests have extended expiration dates. You can check for details about specific test kits on the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests