Information regarding PCR testing use for Isle of Man samples

Summary

A request was made to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office for detailed data on PCR testing kits, including manufacturer, sensitivity, accuracy, and false positive/negative rates. The authority responded that it does not hold this information and suggested contacting the Department of Health and Social Care instead.

Key Facts

• The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested information regarding PCR testing.
• The request was received on 25 January 2021.
• The response was issued on 29 January 2021.
• Applicants are advised to contact the Department of Health and Social Care for the data.
• The request covers eight specific questions about test manufacturing, sensitivity, and accuracy.

Data Disclosed

• 1643549
• 2021-01-25
• 2021-01-29
• 2015

Original Request

1. Who manufactures, and supplies the PCR Testing kits in use in the Isle of Man? 2. What is the sensitivity (cycle threshold) of the PCR tests conducted in Isle of Man? 3. What analysis of the sensitivity (cycle threshold) has been undertaken to ensure that it is correct? 4. What is the accuracy of the PCR tests in percentage? 5. What data is available or used to measure the PCR test accuracy? 6. How is the accuracy of the PCR tests monitored? 7. How many false positives have the PCR tests returned? 8. How many false negatives have the PCR tests returned?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Government Office Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3PN Telephone: (+44) 01624 686244 Website: www.gov.im/co

Our ref: 1643549 29 January 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 25 January 2021 and which states:

"1. Who manufactures, and supplies the PCR Testing kits in use in the Isle of Man? 2. What is the sensitivity (cycle threshold) of the PCR tests conducted in Isle of Man? 3. What analysis of the sensitivity (cycle threshold) has been undertaken to ensure that it is correct? 4. What is the accuracy of the PCR tests in percentage? 5. What data is available or used to measure the PCR test accuracy? 6. How is the accuracy of the PCR tests monitored? 7. How many false positives have the PCR tests returned? 8. How many false negatives have the PCR tests returned?"

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Cabinet
Office does not hold the information that you have requested.

However, you may wish to contact the Department of Health and Social Care who may be able to help you.

Please quote the reference number 1643549 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded. If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on;

1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or
2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
   In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi. I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours faithfully