So WTF is going on with testing?

[intrepidity]

What possible excuse is there for STILL having issues?

Why isn't this pounded incessantly at these stupid pressers?

I just don't get it. Any of it.

[LizBeth]

1. CDC tests? Trump hand controls departments. No surprise if they have ficked up and can't

own it or fix it.

[Hoyt]

2. At this point, I'm not sure testing will do much. Blood tests that determine whether

you’ve had it and developed antibodies will help identify those who have some immunity, though.

[intrepidity]

3. I'm sure health care workers may disagree

Widespread immediate testing for active infections will always be critical.

[Hoyt]

4. Right now we are supposed to assume we all have it. So, stay home.

Even if someone gets tested, it still takes awhile to get results from the most accurate tests. Heck, you could have gotten infected while they were taking the specimen, or a day or two afterwards. So, you still need to stay home.

If you take the rapid test, there are high rates of false negatives. So, you still can’t assume you are good to go. So, stay home.

Just because you test positive, they don’t want you seeking treatment unless you have complications. So, stay home.

If you are in respiratory distress, go to the hospital, whether or not you have CV19.

Plus, we no longer need high infection rates to prove trump was wrong when he called it a “hoax.”

Don’t see the value of that test at this point.

Again, the antibody tests are the ones of value.

[intrepidity]

5. Strongly disagree that wide testing isn't critical

But your post explains why so many seem to have gone complacent on the matter.

We should be screaming about it, imho.

[Iwasthere]

6. Screaming right as long with ya

Testing data is imperative! We need to know

[Hoyt]

9. You know by the people ending up in hospital, and those dying.

Now, if you are going to lock up people who are positive if they don’t stay home, testing has value above compiling academic value. But don’t think we are going to lock them up, or tattoo a 19 on their forehead

[Duncan Grant]

7. Testing and Seroprevalence

You’re right, rapid testing is still important. I hope a few public health professionals can add more to this discussion.

Image if we could perform large scale testing all across the country. What are the benefits? Resource allocation comes immediately to mind. We could have targeted regional responses. We could evaluate prevention efforts. We could order supplies and equipment with more specificity. And over time, we can garner a better understanding of COVID-19.

We are a data obsessed nation. We track everything except seroprevalence. How come?

[Ms. Toad]

8. Ohio is working on doing more testing -

Especially in rural areas where we don't have a handle on what is going on. They also ordered hospitals to send the tests to facilities that could turn them around in under 24 hours.

[Olafjoy]

10. Unbelievable

Still difficult to secure a test for people with symptoms. I’m so effing tired of it!!