CDC test kits at the Polo Field

[rmd2]

I just saw where the University of Florida medical people were using CDC test kits at the Polo Field to test people for the corona virus. The CDC kits were found to have been defective even prior to them having been used here. Why weren't they using the accurate test kits (I think from Abbott)? I am concerned that any results they gave people could possibly be incorrect. Does anyone have any more information on this?

[kaydee]

I’d certainly like to know more about this. How can it be possible to risk getting false answers?

[JimJohnson]

It is a shame how this issue has been handled from local all the way to the top. :boxing2:

[Nucky]

Proof Please?

[graciegirl]

It is a shame how this issue has been handled from local all the way to the top. :boxing2:

You find fault with the testing here?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I just saw where the University of Florida medical people were using CDC test kits at the Polo Field to test people for the corona virus. The CDC kits were found to have been defective even prior to them having been used here. Why weren't they using the accurate test kits (I think from Abbott)? I am concerned that any results they gave people could possibly be incorrect. Does anyone have any more information on this?

You saw where?

[bumpygreens]

Are you sure you were seeing current news? The CDC had flawed test kits back in February. By early March this wasn't an issue.

[bumpygreens]

It is a shame how this issue has been handled from local all the way to the top. :boxing2:

If that's your two cents worth, you should be aware that we have price gouging laws.

[CWGUY]

If that's your two cents worth, you should be aware that we have price gouging laws.

:clap2: At 2 cents you saw his opinion was over priced..... I agree! :coolsmiley:

[GoPacers]

I just saw where the University of Florida medical people were using CDC test kits at the Polo Field to test people for the corona virus. The CDC kits were found to have been defective even prior to them having been used here. Why weren't they using the accurate test kits (I think from Abbott)? I am concerned that any results they gave people could possibly be incorrect. Does anyone have any more information on this?

You should do your homework on the Abbott test - as well as a lot of the tests out there, including tests provided by the CDC. There are literally over 100 tests out there including molecular and serological with more coming each day. Each were "rushed" to market with the best of intentions to help (or to capitalize on the demand...$$). That doesn't mean each and every one is a good test. We're learning more with each passing day and we're also confirming why validation of the tests is so important.

For anyone watching the news, don't confuse 5000 CLIA labs with test availability. That's like saying we have 100,000 gas stations during the oil embargo in the 1970's.

We have a major gap between demand and the availability of tests that produce quality results.

[blueash]

The kits being used, when last I read about it, are of two types. Those being tested because they have symptoms are with an approved kit. Those being tested who are healthy and just wish to be tested are using a kit that is not approved. This does not mean one is "better" than the other, simply that the approved kit has met FDA standards as being valid enough for use. The non-approved may be less accurate, equally, or better but it has not been vetted. The FDA, not the CDC, approves kits. They have relaxed their usual lengthy evaluation under an emergency authorization to allow more manufacturers and labs to get their kits into use.
Thus there are kits that are FDA approved that down the road may have been less than the quality we would want in a perfect world. You can read about the process for FDA emergency authorization HERE (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/emergency-situations-medical-devices/faqs-diagnostic-testing-sars-cov-2)

The OP is expressing concern that UF was using defective CDC kits at the polo field. This is mixing up two events. At the beginning of the COVID outbreak there was no test for the virus as it was new. The Chinese gov't within a couple weeks of the recognition that this was a novel disease had the genome of the virus sequenced and found it did not match any known pathogen. The Chinese made the genome information public on Jan 12th. They then began producing a kit to identify the virus which was simpler than doing a genome test on every sample. As the possibility that this would not remain localized was recognized, other countries began developing their own tests, including the US where it was being done at the CDC.

Some countries were successful at rapidly producing and deploying kits. An excellent example is South Korea. However, sadly, the kits that the CDC made (https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/contamination-at-cdc-lab-delayed-rollout-of-coronavirus-tests/2020/04/18/fd7d3824-7139-11ea-aa80-c2470c6b2034_story.html) and on Feb 7th shipped out to state health departments were failures. This was realized when the end users ran controls on the kits. A control is a known sample. If the kit is working the known positive control should always show as positive when tested, similarly for negative control which should always show as negative. These defective kits were NEVER used on patients but it took some time before the production failure was recognized. It is not clear why the control failure was not noted before shipment.

With the CDC being the facility that was making kits now having failed, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization EUA on March 16th (https://www.fda.gov/media/135659/download) allowing others to use kits they had produced that had not gone thru the FDA approval process. This has taken up many weeks and we still do not have enough kits for the testing demand. Identification of genome Jan 12, CDC kit failure noted Feb 7, FDA authorization for other kits Mar 16th. It should be noted that in the run up to Mar 16 private and university labs were working on making COVID kits but until the FDA EUA they could not use them except as part of a study.

[JimJohnson]

You find fault with the testing here?

Yes I do. It’s way late coming and way to slow with not enough equipment.

[wirenail444]

The initial test kits were contaminated but the problem has long ago fixed. Current tests are ok. Stop spreading old rumors.

[Linnberg]

I just saw where the University of Florida medical people were using CDC test kits at the Polo Field to test people for the corona virus. The CDC kits were found to have been defective even prior to them having been used here. Why weren't they using the accurate test kits (I think from Abbott)? I am concerned that any results they gave people could possibly be incorrect. Does anyone have any more information on this?

Those were the original ones which lost time but were replaced long ago with new ones from CDC. They are
Accurate/fine. The ones from Abbott weren’t released until the middle of the tests here. We have enough to worry about so don’t be concerned about the accuracy. However just because your results were negative does not mean you could not have picked it up a day later.

[Hrvbar]

I am leery to post here due to not wanting to be berated as some people usually do, but does anyone know what type of testing UF Health was using? Also, UF Health is not an FDA approved laboratory to process these samples that were taken. I’m just wondering how we are so quick to say that these tests were approved by the FDA, when there is nowhere that says which test was being used.

[Bridget Staunton]

Thank you for the in-depth analysis, also taking the time to explain to the rest of us. Hope to read some of your posts again

[davem4616]

I just saw where the University of Florida medical people were using CDC test kits at the Polo Field to test people for the corona virus. The CDC kits were found to have been defective even prior to them having been used here. Why weren't they using the accurate test kits (I think from Abbott)? I am concerned that any results they gave people could possibly be incorrect. Does anyone have any more information on this?


were did you first see it?

what prevents you from going to find out what their source is/was?

oh no, you'd rather just throw it out there and create more rumor

[Viperguy]

Just wondering if and when the antibody tests may or will be available at some scale. I really only care if I ever had the virus and may be immune.

[cheweycat]

I believe that they were not FDA approved.

[rmd2]

I am leery to post here due to not wanting to be berated as some people usually do, but does anyone know what type of testing UF Health was using? Also, UF Health is not an FDA approved laboratory to process these samples that were taken. I’m just wondering how we are so quick to say that these tests were approved by the FDA, when there is nowhere that says which test was being used.

Yes, I am sorry I posted a question/concern about the tests. I rarely post here because of the finger shaking and snarky answers but I do appreciate the response from "blueash" who provided thorough and helpful information.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Well, we’ll. The first political response.

Kind of surprised that no one has blamed The Family yet.

[tedquick]

If that's your two cents worth, you should be aware that we have price gouging laws.

You clearly have a great sense of humor, which a lot are looking for these days. Thanks for the smiles. :)

[jarodrig]

Yes, I am sorry I posted a question/concern about the tests. I rarely post here because of the finger shaking and snarky answers but I do appreciate the response from "blueash" who provided thorough and helpful information.

You can easily close the thread ...... end of problem.

[Lindsyburnsy]

Some cable news outlets have reported that the tests weren't accurate and now as of a couple days ago, Abbott's testing isn't accurate either. Wouldn't it be nice to actually have competent people handling this crisis? There is never a straight answer to any of these coronavirus questions. It's no wonder we have the highest number of cases and deaths. We can't get an accurate count because we can't get accurate testing. What a miserable failure.





I just saw where the University of Florida medical people were using CDC test kits at the Polo Field to test people for the corona virus. The CDC kits were found to have been defective even prior to them having been used here. Why weren't they using the accurate test kits (I think from Abbott)? I am concerned that any results they gave people could possibly be incorrect. Does anyone have any more information on this?

[BevSparks]

I just saw where the University of Florida medical people were using CDC test kits at the Polo Field to test people for the corona virus. The CDC kits were found to have been defective even prior to them having been used here. Why weren't they using the accurate test kits (I think from Abbott)? I am concerned that any results they gave people could possibly be incorrect. Does anyone have any more information on this?

UFShands can only use tests that are approved by the FDA and/or maybe CDC??. I know this because I called my doctor at the liver transplant center to ask if I can get the antibody test (because I think I had the virus in Dec.) and was told that they have to wait for FDA approval. They are very busy taking care of transplant patients and those on chemo at the moment. Keep in mind they stopped testing at Polo Field 3 weeks ago and if no one has come down with the virus in the last 3 weeks, then it really doesn't matter if the some of the tests were wrong! I know a few people who were tested and had not been exposed, but did it because they wanted peace of mind...

[DonnaNi4os]

It is sad that some people are afraid of being ridiculed if they post here. I hope everyone is adult enough to realize that is a form of bullying and there really is no reason for it at all. In any case, I heard yesterday that the reagents used in the kits are in short supply and that the reagent is coming from China. Does anyone know this to be true? Also, and this is simply my opinion, if you are asymptomatic, why would you get tested unless you thought you already had it and are willing to donate your antibodies. Why not save the kits for those who really need it because they are symptomatic? These are simply my thoughts and concerns. In a world where you can be anything, why not be kind?

[croughwell]

Perhaps a call to them might ckear.that up. Iys highly unlikely anyone who subscribes to here will have an informative answer.

[jarodrig]

Also, and this is simply my opinion, if you are asymptomatic, why would you get tested unless you thought you already had it and are willing to donate your antibodies. Why not save the kits for those who really need it because they are symptomatic? These are simply my thoughts and concerns. In a world where you can be anything, why not be kind?

Those are the same inconsiderate people that don’t think about anything other than themselves.....

Same bunch that are hoarding the paper products !!

Sad but true ! ;)

[Daddymac]

The Virus Working the way thur the wastewater ??
If so what is the Villages doing to protect us..
(Watering your lawn, and Golf Course ) has


New research looks at wastewater to detect community spread of Covid-19 (https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/07/new-research-wastewater-community-spread-covid-19/)

[Barkriver]

It's my understanding that the CDC lab botched their initial manufacture of test kits, (the kits were contaminated and results could not be trusted). From there on, the kits were sent out to other labs for manufacture. The CDC test kit itself worked fine. It was in the manufacturing of the kits where the CDC stumbled badly.

[EdFNJ]

Iand this is simply my opinion, if you are asymptomatic, why would you get tested unless you thought you already had it and are willing to donate your antibodies. Why not save the kits for those who really need it because they are symptomatic? These are simply my thoughts and concerns. In a world where you can be anything, why not be kind? I think you are a bit confused over the term "asymptomatic" revering to Covid 19. It means YOU COULD BE CURRENTLY CARRYING THE VIRUS BUT YOU ARE SHOWING NO SYMPTOMS. Think "Typhoid Mary." Those who are asymptomatic wrt this pandemic could be the biggest problems because YOU or I could even be a spreader and not know it. That is why, while impossible & impractical, everyone should be tested.

Edit: Those who are SYMPTOMATIC likely have it (what difference if they did or didn't because they should be home anyway because they show symptoms and will end eventually up in the hospital). Those are the ones who probably need the testing less as it is more important to find those who are walking around carrying and spreading it without us being aware. Think about the bar at City Fire.

Greece: 148 refugees test positive for COVID-19, all asymptomatic | News | Al Jazeera (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/greece-148-refugees-test-positive-covid-19-asymptomatic-200421134039733.html)


COVID-19: What proportion are asymptomatic? - CEBM (https://www.cebm.net/covid-19/covid-19-what-proportion-are-asymptomatic/)

The Silent Spreaders Of COVID-19: Asymptomatic, Presymptomatic, Mildly Symptomatic Cases : Goats and Soda : NPR (https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/13/831883560/can-a-coronavirus-patient-who-isnt-showing-symptoms-infect-others)


50 Percent of People with COVID-19 Aren'''t Aware They Have Virus (https://www.healthline.com/health-news/50-percent-of-people-with-covid19-not-aware-have-virus)

What We Need to Understand About Asymptomatic Carriers… — ProPublica (https://www.propublica.org/article/what-we-need-to-understand-about-asymptomatic-carriers-if-were-going-to-beat-coronavirus)

[chet2020]

Just wondering if and when the antibody tests may or will be available at some scale. I really only care if I ever had the virus and may be immune.

There are 90+ antibody kits out there. If you search the Internet, you can find them, but buyer beware, many of them are crap. Some are bad science, some are total scams. You don't want to buy an unauthorized kit and think you are immune when you are not. 90% of us in TV are likely NOT immune.

The FDA is reviewing them. They are way behind, but have "authorized" four of them, i.e. they have not gotten full scrutiny, but initial FDA review indicates they are decent. These are from Cellex, Ortho, and Chembio. There was a fourth but I can't find it on a quick search.

It's going to be impossible for you currently to get your own authorized test. I hear you, I want one also. However, we need to let health care providers use the first and probably second & third batches of kits. The authorized kit manufacturers are still in start-up production - not producing many kits. They'll eventually catch up, but probably not for a few months.