Solving Testing Dilemmas
Context is Everything
The redoubtable New England Journal of Medicine recently published a commentary on how to understand SARS-CoV-2 for populations.
Alarmingly, it begins by pointing out that
"CDC estimates that, despite very high analytic sensitivity of the diagnostic tests deployed for surveillance, today’s testing regimens have at best only 10% sensitivity to detect infections"
We Need to Find the People Who Can Spread Disease
“CDC estimates that, despite very high analytic sensitivity of the diagnostic tests deployed for surveillance, today’s testing regimens have at best only 10% sensitivity to detect infections”
Yikes! That’s not very good. Help is on the immediate horizon—hopefully a Christmas present to the world.
As the journal concludes.
The goal is to identify people who are currently transmitting SARS-CoV-2…we need tests that…capture most infections while they are still infectious. These tests exist today…. These CRISPR Such tests are cheap (< $5), can be produced in the tens of millions or more per week, and could be performed at home.
It is important to tell people that testing does not mean they can stop masks or distancing. THese interventions work best when used together.
Giant Lizards Invade US Southwest!
The Argentine black-and-white tegu, a large lizard that can grow up to four feet in length, has already proliferated widely throughout South Florida. But it’s not stopping there. National Geographic reports that
These invaders have started popping up throughout the southeastern United States, posing a potential threat to native species and farmers.
The creatures, native to South America, are omnivorous, eating just about anything with nutritional value they can fit in their mouth.
Look under your bed if you live anywhere between Florida and Arizona. See you tomorrow.
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