PCR threshold cycle

Summary

The requester asked for the current and historical PCR threshold cycle (CT) values used by Manx Care since March 2020. The authority responded that the information is already reasonably accessible on the government website, stating the CT setting is 40 and has not changed.

Key Facts

• The current PCR threshold cycle (CT) setting used by Manx Care is 40.
• The CT setting has remained at 40 since March 2020 and has not changed.
• The requested information is available on the government website covid19.gov.im.
• The request was received on 30 June 2021 and closed on 28 July 2021.
• Manx Care cited Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 as the reason for not providing the information directly.

Data Disclosed

• 40
• March 2020
• 30 June 2021
• 28 July 2021
• 1880753

Exemptions Cited

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

Original Request

Hello I would like to ask: - what is the current CT (threshold cycle) used in the manx-run PCR testing facility? - what values of CT have been in use at the testing facility since March 2020 if that value changed overtime? Thank you

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

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

Our ref: 1880753 28th July 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 30th June 2021 and which states:

"Hello I would like to ask: Q1 what is the current CT (threshold cycle) used in the manx-run PCR testing facility? Q2 what values of CT have been in use at the testing facility since March 2020 if that value changed overtime?"

Our Response Q1 what is the current CT (threshold cycle) used in the manx-run PCR testing facility? 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 you have requested is available on the government website covid19.gov.im/general guidance/testing & results: Our PCR CT Setting is 40. Q2 what values of CT have been in use at the testing facility since March 2020 if that value changed overtime?" 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 you have requested is available on the government website covid19.gov.im/general guidance/testing & results: Our PCR CT Setting is 40 and has not changed. Please quote the reference number 1880753 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.