[ad_1]
In recent weeks, testing capacity in Norway has increased significantly, and around 80,000 people have been tested each week. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) is now sounding the alarm about the challenges related to testing in Norway.
“The current situation is not sustainable and should be quickly improved,” writes FHI in its latest risk assessment. There, they point out that there seems to be a mismatch between the demand for tests and the general testing capacity in the municipalities and the analysis capacity in the laboratories. This can cause problems:
- Since the general test work is organized now, there may be a risk of staff running out, affecting other activities and depleting equipment and reagents on demand.
- The response time of laboratories can be so long that the usefulness of the tests almost disappears. Delayed detection of infection means that the contacts of infected close contacts may have time to transmit the infection.
see more
Strategy
Currently, among others, people with acute symptoms of respiratory infection and other symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested. It also attracts people who suspect they are infected with COVID-19.
FHI believes that with current criteria, the need for testing will increase significantly as late fall and winter bring many respiratory infections to the population.
– Do you feel like we tried too much?
– No, but we can probably point more to evidence. Tests alone cannot stop the epidemic; The important thing is to find and treat the infected as quickly as possible, says Chief Physician Preben Aavitsland at FHI to Dagbladet, continuing:
– We assume that now we find approximately two out of three infected. It is very good, but if we can manage at least the same amount in a simpler way, it is a step forward.
Changes
Due to upcoming challenges, FHI proposes to update the testing strategy. Among other things, a greater awareness is needed about the purpose of testing and what is needed to achieve these purposes.
– Is it relevant to reinforce the testing strategy before the flu season?
– No, we want more tests and trials with a clear purpose. It may be relevant with clearer, but not stricter, criteria for those who have symptoms or have been exposed to an infection, Aavitsland says.
Municipalities
Since July, the Norwegian Health Directorate has required municipalities to have the capacity to analyze 1.5% of the population per week, as well as to plan to increase the analysis capacity to be able to analyze 5% of the population per week.
At the Emergency Preparedness Committee meeting on September 8, Are Berg mentioned the importance of good preparation and preparedness for emergencies in municipalities, shows a report of the meeting that Dagbladet has had access to.
NIPH highlights new technology as one of the solutions to challenges.
– The technology in the laboratories is excellent, but in some places there is a mismatch between the analytical capacity of the laboratories and the number of samples taken in the municipalities, says Aavitsland and continues:
– Together with the Norwegian Directorate of Health and the health trusts, we are looking for opportunities to improve capacity, for example with the expansion of laboratories, new procedures in the laboratories and eventually perhaps with new technologies.
see more
Saliva samples
Among other things, saliva samples have been mentioned as a new technology that will significantly simplify testing work. Oslo municipality health council Robert Steen had previously told Dagbladet that he wanted saliva samples since April.
“The municipalities have uncertainty regarding their finances and personnel to carry out the tests,” warned the governor of the county at the last meeting of the Emergency Committee, and at the same time noted that it is good to consider alternative testing methods.
– Why have the saliva samples not yet been placed?
– First we must prove that the equipment and technology work and give answers as reliable as with normal sampling. This will still take several weeks, explains Aavitsland.
The Norwegian health authorities have established a project group led by Deputy Health Director Espen Rostrup Nakstad and Director Svein Lie. The group will evaluate new methods, technologies and testing organization for COVID-19.
Capacity
At the moment, the test strategy in Norway appears to have worked. FHI believes that all municipalities except Oslo, Bergen, Sarpsborg and Fredrikstad have gained control of their outbreaks mainly due to extensive testing and monitoring of infections.
In Oslo, among other things, there are plans to increase the testing capacity to be able to analyze five percent of the population a week. Whereas the municipality of Bergen has tested around four percent of the population recently.
Today’s widespread testing leads to the detection of a higher proportion of infected people. At the same time, it reduces the possibility of hidden spread.
