Abusive tests for Covid, expired reagents and infections never communicated to the ASL: a laboratory of 4. 145 thousand euros of sanctions is irregular

Pads for him COVID-19 and serological tests performed without authorization, positivity cases the local health authorities in the area were never communicated or reported with delay. These are some of the irregularities found by the Nas that have almost been verified in the last week 300 companies and private and affiliated analytical laboratories throughout Italy. Several structures that operate in commerce and in the provision of molecular, antigenic and serological analysis tests also ended up in the sights of the carabinieri. In total, anomalies and violations were found in 67 centers. disputed 94 criminal and administrative offenses, for an amount of 145 thousand euros in penalties pecuniary.

15% of the irregularities refer to the lack of authorization to perform the swabs or perform the exam in unsuitable environments. 14% omitted or delayed the communication of positivity. Non-compliance “of special gravity due to loss of useful information for correct and timely purposes case tracking and the consequent uncontrolled spread of contagion situations ”, Nas underlined in a note. The lack of preparation and implementation of plans was also found preventive protocols within the clinics, such as the lack of management procedures, disinfectant products and sanitation of the premises (11%), and technical and professional requirements in the execution of diagnostic tests, found in 6 episodes, for various reasons, the absence of qualified laboratory technicians and the use of reagents and expired diagnostics, however used in conducting the analyzes.

During the controls, the carabinieri also identified the abusive activation of blood and biological sampling points in makeshift areas, in the absence of adequate sanitary conditions. In one case, a population screening campaign was launched, entrusted by some municipalities to a laboratory, without any prior communication to the Health Authority. Another phenomenon observed is the retail sale to customers, to pharmacy or even in herbal medicine me profumeria, say kit say serological tests for antibodies intended only for professional healthcare use and not suitable for self-diagnosis. It was precisely in this context that 153 diagnostic kits and medical devices illegally held for retail sale or for testing purposes were seized.