Nasal swabs with PCR were slow but sensitive, while rapid antigen tests were quicker and cheaper but less precise. Isothermal tests combine molecular precision with speed and affordability. [ more ]
An essential medical device fails people of color. A clinic is suing to fix that
Roots Community Health Center faced high demand for COVID-19 testing in 2020.
Disparities in healthcare outcomes, particularly with pulse oximeter readings and oxygen levels, were identified among Black and brown patients. [ more ]
Mission Covid site, SF's first hub, has its final day
The Latino Task Force and UCSF collaborated to provide low-barrier Covid-19 testing services to the Latinx community in San Francisco.
The Covid testing site at 701 Alabama St. will transition to offering HIV and blood sugar testing, as well as providing resources and support every Thursday. [ more ]
COVID-19 testing firm 'exposed 1.3 million patient records'
A password-less database containing Dutch COVID-19 testing records was exposed to the open internet, potentially compromising the personal and medical privacy of individuals.
The responsible party, CoronaLab or Microbe & Lab, did not respond to attempts to inform them of the exposure. [ more ]
Why Your Negative COVID Test Might Be Less Reliable in 2024 | KQED
If your first COVID test is negative, it's recommended to test again later, either with another antigen test or a PCR test.
If you have symptoms but tested negative, continue to play it safe by staying home, wearing a mask, and avoiding close contact with high-risk individuals. [ more ]
With COVID on the rise, your at-home test may be taking longer to show a positive result
Rapid tests for COVID-19 may take longer to return positive results as a result of accumulated immunity from vaccinations or previous infections.
Testing negative for COVID-19 despite having symptoms may provide a false sense of security, as the virus may take a few days to reproduce in quantities that can be detected by rapid tests. [ more ]
Shady COVID Testing Outfit Offering $5 Cash Payments Chased From SF, City Attorney Says They Fueled Drug Trade
Unlicensed lime-green COVID testing tents that offered $5 cash to take a test have agreed to cease operations in San Francisco after being chased out by City Attorney David Chiu.
These tents were accused of fueling the local drug trade and were operated by a company called Gentech.
The tents did not have proper licensing, staff did not use protective gear, and operated near open-air drug markets. [ more ]