From the Liveblog of
Sunday, January 9, 2022
Some antigen tests used in Israel much less reliable than others, claims TV report
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The rapid antigen COVID tests that were being administered by Magen David Adom at testing stations across Israel are up to 10x less reliable than other antigen tests in detecting Omicron, claims a news report on Channel 12.
According to the report, the Health Ministry informed MDA that the tests were highly unreliable, and MDA stopped using them several days ago, but did not inform the public. The tests in question, under the SD Biosensor brand and the BD brand, are still being sold to the public, claims Channel 12.
דו״ח של המעבדה המרכזית לנגיפים קובע: מתוך 6 בדיקות אנטיגן שמשווקות בישראל, 2 הראו רגישות נמוכה פי עשרה בזיהוי האומיקרון. מד״א ביצעה בדיקות מוסדיות עם הסוג היעיל פחות. לפני 3 ימים שינו במד״א את סוג הבדיקות. את הציבור עדיין לא עדכנו בממצאים והבדיקות נמכרות כרגיל pic.twitter.com/HUUV3L7X92
— עמליה דואק (@AmalyaDuek) January 9, 2022
On Friday, a new framework went into effect in which fully vaccinated Israelis under 60 would not need a PCR test, but rather only an antigen test, to exit quarantine if they were exposed to a positive COVID case.
But with questions over their reliability piling up, the government is reportedly considering switching back to PCR tests for all citizens.
The Times of Israel Community.