Test lab responds to criticism

The issue of pooled versus single sample tests had not been raised until very recently.

So says Marita Debess Magnussen, CEO of Thetis, which has been overseeing Covid testing at the borders since 27 June as part of a contract with the health ministry.

Ahead of the contract renewal, due by the end of this month, the epidemic commission called on the health ministry on Monday to ensure that the lab switches to using single sample tests instead of using pooled samples, arguing that the latter increases the risk of false negative results.

“We have never withheld any information from the health authorities,” says Magnussen. “The chief medical officer has visited our labs on several occasions and he has always given the thumbs up to our practices.”

Common practice elsewhere

She adds that it is common practice internationally to use pooled sample testing when the infection rate is low and then switch to single sample testing when the rate increases.

“By using the pooling method when the infection rate is low and single testing when it’s high, we ensure that we have the capacity to carry out single tests when they are required.”

The contract authorises Thetis to charge DKK 390 including VAT per test, and the total cost since the contract was signed on 27 June has now reached DKK 16 million.

“We believe the current contract is fair because we can balance out the costs by running at a deficit in busy times and profiting when demand is less intense,” says Magnussen.

For further information about Covid-19 in the Faroes, visit corona.fo.

Translated by prosa.fo