PCR testing

Summary

The requester asked Manx Care for the specific Cycle Threshold (CT) value used for PCR testing on the Isle of Man. The authority refused to provide the information directly, citing that it was already reasonably accessible via their public FOI disclosure log.

Key Facts

• The request was received on 16 June 2021 and responded to on 9 July 2021.
• Manx Care determined the information was already reasonably accessible to the public.
• The authority directed the requester to search the FOI disclosure log using the keyword 'PCR'.
• A specific previous response regarding PCR test cycle threshold was submitted on 08 April 2021.
• The requester was informed of their right to an internal review or appeal to the Information Commissioner.

Data Disclosed

• 1845993
• 2021-06-16
• 2021-07-09
• CT40
• 08/04/2021
• 01624 650 000

Exemptions Cited

• Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information reasonably accessible)

Original Request

Cycle Threshold test conducted on island CT40, could you please supply the threshold cycle at which the PCR testing is conducted at by Manx Care

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Manx Care Noble’s Hospital, Strang Braddan, Isle of Man IM4 4R (01624) 650 000

Our ref: 1845993 9th July 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 16th June 2021 and which states:

"Cycle Threshold test conducted on island CT40, could you please supply the threshold cycle at which the PCR testing is conducted at by Manx Care"

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, under section 20 of the Act, we are not required to provide information in response to a request if it is already reasonably accessible to you, whether free of charge or on payment of a fee. The information that you have requested is available within the Freedom of Information disclosure log (View the latest FOI Responses) at the following website address: https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/search. To further assist, when you access the above link, in ‘Keywords (optional)’, type PCR, which will provide various responses in regards to PCR testing. In particular, PCR test cycle threshold – date submitted 08/04/2021.

Please quote the reference number 1845993 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

1. 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.