Expect false positives: FDA letter to providers explains COVID antigen test results
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 05, 2020
The agency clarifies that rapid antigen tests, “like all diagnostic tests,” are subject to false positive results, especially in low prevalence settings. It offers recommendations for administering...
CDC releases guidance for COVID-19 rapid antigen testing
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 21, 2020
The guidance arrives on the heels of a federal campaign to issue on-site COVID-19 testing equipment to nursing homes. AHCA/NCAL has summarized key points relevant to operators.
Stop antigen testing in skilled nursing facilities, Nevada tells operators
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 09, 2020
Nursing facilities in Nevada have been ordered to stop using COVID-19 rapid antigen tests due to apparent diagnostic inaccuracies. Health officials say they will gather more data before issuing updated...
CDC evaluation of BinaxNOW shows mixed performance in asymptomatic cases
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 21, 2021
The antigen test kit sent to nursing homes nationwide last year has some major pluses, despite the potential for false negatives when compared with molecular tests, the agency reports.
Medical director shares wins, challenges of nursing home’s pandemic response
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 23, 2020
Once described as the epicenter of West Virginia’s COVID-19 outbreak, a 100-bed facility gained control of its infection and mortality rate. A new study details its most helpful strategies — and biggest...
Six states join coronavirus test-purchasing compact; VA tries statewide COVID app
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 06, 2020
The governors of six states, including Republicans and Democrats, have formed an interstate compact to negotiate the purchase of 3 million COVID-19 antigen tests.
Don’t shelve rapid tests as COVID cases climb, advocates implore nursing homes
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 03, 2020
Industry advocates say it’s time for facility operators who have not made full use of rapid antigen tests to start doing so — before nursing home deaths begin to spike again. CMS must “take to...
Regulators expected to rescind physician signature requirement for lab requisition forms
Feb 15, 2011
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has indicated that it might rescind a rule that requires physician signatures on requisitions for all clinical laboratory tests paid for by Medicare, as part...
Feds scramble to boost availability of COVID-19 tests
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 15, 2020
The House has passed a bill that includes Medicare waivers to allow free testing for all, while the White House has funded fast-track test development.
CDC revises COVID-19 testing guidelines for nursing homes
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 16, 2020
The agency has updated and consolidated the guidelines, including a recommendation that individuals not be tested more than once in 24 hours.