Potential for False Positive Results with Antigen Tests for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 – Letter to Clinical Laboratory Staff and Health Care Providers

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Authors: FDA The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting clinical laboratory staff and health care providers that false positive results can occur with antigen tests, including when users do not follow the instructions for use of antigen tests for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2. Generally, antigen tests are indicated for the qualitative detection […]

Antigen and Molecular Tests

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Diagnostic tests are used to detect current, active infections of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Diagnostic tests can be antigen based (“rapid antigen” tests), which look for protein markers on the outside of the virus, or they can be molecular based (including PCR, LAMP, CRISPR), which look for viral genomic material specific to SARS-CoV-2. Molecular based tests that amplify […]

Performance of an Antigen-Based Test for Asymptomatic and Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Testing at Two University Campuses

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Authors: Ian W. Pray, PhD1,2,3,*; Laura Ford, PhD1,2,*; Devlin Cole, MD3,4; Christine Lee, PhD1,5; John Paul Bigouette, PhD1,2; Glen R. Abedi, MPH1; Dena Bushman, MSN, MPH1,2; Miranda J. Delahoy, PhD1,2; Dustin Currie, PhD1,2; Blake Cherney, MS1; Marie Kirby, PhD1; Geroncio Fajardo, MD1; Motria Caudill, PhD1,6; Kimberly Langolf, MS7; Juliana Kahrs, MS7; Patrick Kelly, MD4,8; Collin […]

Interim Guidance for Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2

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Authors: CDC Summary of Recent Changes Updates as of May 13, 2021 Updated guidance based on new published studies on antigen test performance. Clarification about which NAATs should be used for confirmatory testing. Considerations for people who have had previous SARS-CoV-2 infections and those who have been fully vaccinated. Two new antigen testing algorithms, one […]

Scientists explain possible causes of anaphylaxis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination

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Authors: By Angela Betsaida B. Laguipo, BSN In an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pathogen, vaccination efforts have been implemented in most countries. Two of the vaccines developed to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection are the novel messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) […]

Anaphylaxis is a rare reaction in COVID-19 vaccination

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Authors: R G Bellomo 1, C E Gallenga 2, Al Caraffa 3, G Tetè 4, G Ronconi 5, P Conti 6 Abstract Anaphylaxis is a severe multisystem reaction that occurs rapidly after the introduction of an antigen that would otherwise be a harmless substance. It is characterized by airway and respiratory problems, cardiovascular collapse, mucosal inflammation, and other complications, all severe symptoms that can cause death. […]

Interim Considerations: Preparing for the Potential Management of Anaphylaxis after COVID-19 Vaccination

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Authors: CDC Summary of recent changes (last updated March 3, 2021) Considerations broadened to include use of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine. Key Points Under the Emergency Use Authorizationsexternal icon for COVID-19 vaccines, appropriate medical treatment for severe allergic reactions must be immediately available in the event that an acute anaphylactic reaction occurs following administration of […]

FDA Authorizes Covid Booster Shots For Immunocompromised Patients

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Authors: BY TYLER DURDEN After growing chatter over the past week, late on Thursday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized booster shots for certain people with weakened immune systems, likely the launch of broader efforts to better protect against evasive variants like Delta. The agency said that other fully vaccinated individuals do not need […]

Children born during pandemic have lower IQs, US study finds

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Authors: Natalie Grover Science correspondent Children born during the coronavirus pandemic have significantly reduced verbal, motor and overall cognitive performance compared with children born before, a US study suggests. The first few years of a child’s life are critical to their cognitive development. But with Covid-19 triggering the closure of businesses, nurseries, schools and playgrounds, life […]

Deadly Lambda variant could be vaccine-resistant, new study says

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Authors: By Hannah Sparks As the US struggles to suppress the rapidly advancing coronavirus Delta variant, new evidence has emerged that the latest Lambda mutation — ravaging parts of South America — won’t be slowed by vaccines. In a July 28 report appearing on bioRxiv, where the study awaits peer review prior to getting published, researchers in […]