❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses COVID-19 testing methods, reliability, and the possibility of mass testing in Western Australia. The response outlines the testing regime, its reliability, turnaround times, and explains why mass testing is not planned.
AnsweredQoN 301Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
CORONAVIRUS — TESTING
301. Hon PETER COLLIER to
the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Health:
My question without notice is asked on behalf of Hon Simon O'Brien,
who is on urgent parliamentary business.
(1) What are
the tests or other methods available to government to detect COVID-19 infection
in humans?
(2) How reliable is the testing regime currently in use and
how long does it take to provide a result?
(3) Is the government planning for the mass testing
of all Western Australians; and, if so, when might that occur?
(4) If no to (3), what are the policy and/or logistical
considerations that led to that decision?
301. Hon PETER COLLIER to
the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Health:
My question without notice is asked on behalf of Hon Simon O'Brien,
who is on urgent parliamentary business.
(1) What are
the tests or other methods available to government to detect COVID-19 infection
in humans?
(2) How reliable is the testing regime currently in use and
how long does it take to provide a result?
(3) Is the government planning for the mass testing
of all Western Australians; and, if so, when might that occur?
(4) If no to (3), what are the policy and/or logistical
considerations that led to that decision?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question.
(1) PathWest
uses a molecular polymerase chain reaction test to detect the presence of
COVID-19. This is the recommended testing
methodology in Australia, and is based on a body of international evidence and recommendations.
(2) The
COVID-19 test offered by PathWest and other reference laboratories around
Australia is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for the diagnosis
of acute COVID-19 illness in our community. The turnaround time for COVID-19
samples is up to 72 hours from when they are received in the laboratory, with
many factors influencing the turnaround time on a daily basis. Currently,
testing is being completed within 24 hours.
(3) There are
no plans to undertake mass testing of all Western Australians.
(4) Testing
asymptomatic individuals for COVID-19 is not recommended. A person who is
incubating the disease but not yet symptomatic may test negative, providing
false reassurance.
question.
(1) PathWest
uses a molecular polymerase chain reaction test to detect the presence of
COVID-19. This is the recommended testing
methodology in Australia, and is based on a body of international evidence and recommendations.
(2) The
COVID-19 test offered by PathWest and other reference laboratories around
Australia is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for the diagnosis
of acute COVID-19 illness in our community. The turnaround time for COVID-19
samples is up to 72 hours from when they are received in the laboratory, with
many factors influencing the turnaround time on a daily basis. Currently,
testing is being completed within 24 hours.
(3) There are
no plans to undertake mass testing of all Western Australians.
(4) Testing
asymptomatic individuals for COVID-19 is not recommended. A person who is
incubating the disease but not yet symptomatic may test negative, providing
false reassurance.
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