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Tag: rapid tests

Rapid test supplier BTNX says Canadians can rely on its device’s accuracy

BTNX, the Canadian rapid test supplier that won an estimated $2 billion in federal contracts, denied that Health Canada used BTNX’s edited study to evaluate the rapid test kit that the federal government later purchased.

A year-long investigation into federal procurement published by Global News on Thursday revealed that Toronto area-based BTNX deleted dozens of specimens, or samples, from a study it submitted to Health Canada. That evaluation showed how well the company’s test detected COVID-19.

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COVID test supplier received billions in pandemic contracts after submitting edited results

A rapid test importer landed an estimated $2 billion in federal contracts in 2021 and 2022, despite giving regulators incomplete data about its product’s accuracy, Global News has found.

A year-long investigation into federal procurement revealed that BTNX, a small rapid test supplier based outside Toronto, deleted dozens of specimens, or samples, from a study it submitted to Health Canada. That evaluation showed how well the company’s test detected COVID-19.

The deletions made BTNX’s test appear more reliable and sensitive than it really was, according to researchers Global News consulted.

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COVID-19 home testing as important as ever, infectious disease specialist says

Almost four years into the pandemic many people have been taking a more carefree approach to COVID-19.

Dr. Lisa Barrett, an infectious diseases specialist and assistant professor at Dalhousie’s School of Medicine, says it’s important to still be vigilant.

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More free COVID-19 tests from the government are available for home delivery through the mail

Americans can order more free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery.

The U.S. government is offering to send another round of four at-home virus tests ahead of the typical surge in cases during the winter holiday season.

Anyone who did not order a batch of four COVID-19 tests in September can secure up to eight of them this time around starting Monday at COVIDtests.gov. The U.S. Postal Service will deliver them for free.

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Nearly 40 million rapid COVID tests unused in Alberta as expiry dates loom

Alberta has close to 40 million COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in its stockpile and they’re all set to expire within a few months. Those that go unused will be trashed, the provincial government has confirmed.

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Where to get free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in Toronto

Getting your hands on a COVID-19 rapid test is going to be a little more difficult this winter now that the tests are no longer being distributed to Ontario grocery stores and pharmacies.

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Where can I get a COVID-19 rapid test? CTV News looks at the rules in each province and territory

Since provinces and territories are responsible for the distribution of rapid tests, their availability will ultimately depend on where you live.

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Difficile de trouver des tests rapides de dépistage de la COVID‑19

Doctors have noted that rapid tests for COVID-19 are less accessible in Canada, while the number of cases is increasing. They blame policy changes and inconsistent public health communication on access to rapid tests.

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US households will be able to order more free Covid‑19 tests starting Monday

The US government will relaunch a program to provide free Covid-19 home tests to Americans, US Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday.

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What Canadians need to know about COVID rapid tests as fall approaches

With the impending fall flu season and the continued circulation of new COVID-19 variants across the country, attention is once again turning to rapid antigen tests.

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Study: At-Home Rapid COVID Tests May Miss Many Infections

According to a new study, rapid antigen tests may provide false negatives — suggesting that a person is infection-free, even though other parts of their respiratory tract are teeming with the virus. The researchers found that most people showed a delay of several days between when the virus first appeared in the throat or saliva and when it appeared in the nose. Importantly, 15 of the 17 study participants had high levels of the virus for at least a day prior to getting a positive result.

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Ontario to stop free COVID-19 rapid test program in pharmacies, grocery stores

An Ontario program that distributes free rapid tests for COVID-19 at grocery stores and pharmacies will end after this month.

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Les tests de dépistage de la COVID-19 ne seront plus gratuits au Québec

As of Monday, in Quebec, rapid tests will no longer be offered free of charge to everyone in pharmacies. Only people deemed at high risk of complications and citizens who receive free drugs, according to the public pharmacare system, will have free access to these COVID-19 tests.

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Astronomy Tool Can Now Detect COVID in Breath

Researchers are investigating a promising technique that may be used to check for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. A frequency comb involves the use of lasers to look for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are associated with COVID infections.

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