COVID-19 Testing in New Brunswick

COVID Journal Club Rounds – April 2016

Dr Jo-Anne Talbott


Key Questions

  • Who should we test for COVID
  • Who can we test with the Rapid COVID test
  • What is the sensitivity and specificity of the tests
  • What are the rates of positive tests in New Brunswick
  • Will we move to testing serum for IgG, IgM

RT-PCR Test

Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) test

ID Microbiologists at the George Dumont used  recommended processes to develop a test for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in upper and lower respiratory specimens

Their results were validated by the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg, Manitoba


Rapid COVID Test

  • Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay is performed on the GeneXpert platform
  • Rapid test used in SJRH Microbiology Lab
  • Clinically suspected COVID-19 in
    • patient currently in the ICU or being admitted to the ICU
    • pregnant patient currently in labour and being admitted
    • your clinical judgement a rapid test is required
  • Call Microbiology MD

Full Presentation

Download (PDF, 19.97MB)

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