Covid related

Summary

The requester asked Manx Care about the isolation and purification of SARS-CoV-2, laboratory methods, and PCR testing costs. Manx Care clarified that they extract RNA for detection rather than isolate the virus, directed the requester to existing public information for lab methods, and disclosed specific spending figures for PCR tests.

Key Facts

• Manx Care extracts SARS-CoV-2 RNA for detection purposes, not to achieve isolation or purification.
• The first RNA extraction on the Isle of Man occurred on 20th April 2020, with prior extractions done at PHE Manchester starting 19th March 2020.
• Samples requiring further examination are sent to PHE Manchester, PHE Colindale, and Liverpool University.
• Information regarding laboratory methods for distinguishing molecular conformation is already publicly accessible via a previous FOI response.
• Staffing costs were explicitly excluded from the reported PCR testing expenditure.

Data Disclosed

• 20th April 2020
• 19th March 2020
• 1 April 2021
• 31 August 2021
• £358,780.59
• FOI 1968493
• 1972089

Exemptions Cited

• Section 20 of the Act (Information already reasonably accessible)

Original Request

Q1. What was the date you used a centrifugation on a man/woman saliva/nose sample and then purify the virus sars cov 2 to distinguish subtle differences in the conformation of molecules? Q2. What Laboratory do you use to distinguish subtle differences in the conformation of molecules? Q3. Have you ever isolated a sars cov 2 sequence from a man or woman on the Isle of Man and where was this sample sent to be examined?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

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

Our ref: 1972089 24th September 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 1st September 2021 and which states:

"Q1. what date was the first purified virus from a man or woman on the isle of man first identified? Q2. what company in the world purifies the "sars cov 2 virus" for manx care? Q3. what company in the world isolates the "sars cov 2 virus" for manx care? Q4. How much money has been spent on pcr tests? "

And following our request for clarification: Q1. What was the date you used a centrifugation on a man/woman saliva/nose sample and then purify the virus sars cov 2 to distinguish subtle differences in the conformation of molecules? Q2. What Laboratory do you use to distinguish subtle differences in the conformation of molecules? Q3. Have you ever isolated a sars cov 2 sequence from a man or woman on the Isle of Man and where was this sample sent to be examined? Q4. How much money has been spent on pcr tests? " Our Response

Q1. What was the date you used a centrifugation on a man/woman saliva/nose sample and then purify the virus sars cov 2 to distinguish subtle differences in the conformation of molecules? 20th April 2020 was the first time we extracted SARS-CoV-2 RNA on the island (extractions before this were done at PHE Manchester with the first being on the 19th March 2020). Extraction was to enable detection, not to achieve isolation or purification.

Q2. What Laboratory do you use to distinguish subtle differences in the conformation of molecules? 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.
This information is available in FOI 1968493, raised on 30th August 2021: “A full explanation of the method we use and how a variant is differentiated from a simple positive can be found on www.certest.es/New VIASURE SARS-CoV-2 Variants I & II RT- PCR Kits. Any further testing if needed is sent to PHE Colindale (Public Health England, Colindale Laboratory)” You can view this response on the FOI Disclosure Log by following the link to the website, gov.im/freedom-of-information/search and searching for “test for covid variants”.

Q3. Have you ever isolated a sars cov 2 sequence from a man or woman on the Isle of Man and where was this sample sent to be examined? We have ‘extracted’ SARS-Cov-2 RNA from individuals on the IOM many times and have sent to various places for further examination such as PHE Manchester, PHE Colindale and Liverpool University’ Q4. How much money has been spent on pcr tests? " The total cost for PCR tests is £358,780.59 for the period 1 April 2021 to 31 August 2021. Please note, staffing costs have not been included. Please quote the reference number 1972089 in any future communications.

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