Why Testing Improvements Are So Critical
With improvements in testing life could get closer to normal
It’s time to talk about testing again. Everyone thinks we are doing it badly and we are. Until we do better we are not going to be close to back to normal.
We need tests for three different purposes:
- Confirming people are sick
- Testing where the outbreak goes
- Using tests to allow entry into buildings, schools, and activities
Tests to confirm people with symptoms are sick need to be quick turnaround time. We’re currently not doing that. The only way there is to reduce cases and infection levels. The last three months have made it impossible.
The PCR tests should be able to keep up with demand if we lower demand and if we specialize on using them for sick people. Accuracy is important, but it’s also time that PCR tests are required to meet a turnaround time standard.
The second use for tests are to test asymptomatic people. These can be run at state labs by health agencies and should be available everywhere. The primary purpose for these tests should be to see where the virus is spreading so we can catch invisible cases and isolate.
