We have all heard about them, most of us have used them during the COVID pandemic, point-of-care testing. We can test for some of the most problematic infections in our communities but imagine if you will, being able to access point-of-care testing for diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)! Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia. It is presently …
Testing is the cornerstone of a successful public health response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nasopharyngeal swab nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) is the non-invasive criterion standard for diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, it requires trained personnel, limiting its availability, and the technique cannot be easily or reliably performed in all populations (i.e., children and quarantined individuals). Consequently, …
The CDC has updated the Guidance on Testing Healthcare Personnel for SARS CoV-2: Criteria for Return to Work for Healthcare Personnel with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 (Interim Guidance) – February 14, 2021 CDC Science Agenda for COVID-19 – February 15, 2021 Interim Guidance on Testing Healthcare Personnel for SARS-CoV-2 – February 14, 2021 U.S. COVID-19 Cases Caused by Variants – …
Over a million Americans reside in Congregate Care Facilities (CCFs), which provide housing and some services for individuals who do not need skilled nursing care. CCFs include assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, and memory care units. While healthier than nursing home residents, CCF residents face substantial risk of excess death and morbidity from COVID-19. Many residents and staff in …
Testing is the cornerstone of a successful public health response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nasopharyngeal sampling for nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) is the current, non-invasive criterion standard diagnostic test. However, nasopharyngeal testing requires trained personnel and handling of a specially designed swab, and the technique cannot be easily or reliably performed in all populations (i.e., children and quarantined …
In a study conducted in 11 nursing homes in Maryland, universal testing was initiated after the centers had previously conducted symptom-based testing. 354 positive cases (39.6% of those tested) were identified through universal testing despite initial targeted, symptom-based testing. According to data from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the overall case-fatality among residents of long-term care facilities is …
In a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, out of 131 patients in the study, 22 fully met the criteria for discontinuation of quarantine (no significant acute clinical symptoms and 2 consecutive negative RT-PCR tests) presented a new positive RT-PCR test at a follow-up visit after at least 2 weeks. These findings indicate that a noteworthy rate …
As the U.S. recorded its five highest days of coronavirus cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield said this is the perfect time to develop a strategy to better detect asymptomatic cases. The nationwide seven-day average of new daily cases now stands at about 86,363, more than double what it was on September 4 per …
JAMDA published a recent study that assessed whether using coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) community activity levels can accurately inform strategies for routine testing of facility staff for active severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Of the staff tested, 28% were certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who accounted for 36.9% of all staff testing positive. Similarly, licensed practice nurses (LPNs) …
A number of research projects are underway to develop a sensitive blood test that could help screen people for Alzheimer’s disease in a less invasive and costly way than current imaging and biomarker tests. NIA-supported researchers at Washington University in St. Louis reported an advance in Neurology for their method of detecting amyloid protein in the blood. The researchers are …
