Accuracy of LFD testing regime

Summary

The requester asked for records detailing the specificity and sensitivity of COVID-19 testing procedures used on the Isle of Man in October 2021. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold this information and suggested contacting Manx Care instead.

Key Facts

• The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested records regarding test specificity and sensitivity.
• The request specifically targeted testing procedures used in October 2021.
• The authority suggested the requester contact Manx Care for the information.
• The requester noted that existing online data lacked specificity and sensitivity figures for Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs).
• The response was issued on 8 November 2021.

Data Disclosed

• 2061889
• 2021-11-01
• 2021-11-08
• October 2021
• 1641517
• IM1 3PN
• IM4 4RJ
• 01624 686244

Original Request

Hi, I am writing to make a freedom of information request for all the information to which I am entitled under the relevant Freedom of Information provisions. I am an Isle of Man resident. Please send me: "The most-recent records showing the specificity and the sensitivity of the COVID-19 testing procedures used on the Isle of Man in October 2021." a) By "most-recent records" I mean the records (as defined in the Freedom of Information Act) which shows the most-recent information for the current variety of COVID-19 testing procedures. b) By "specificity and sensitivity" I mean those words as usually used by the World Health Organisation and other medical bodies. c) By "the COVID-19 testing procedures used on the Isle of Man in 2021" I mean the full processes (including sample collection, sample testing, and all the way through to patient notification) that have been used by the DHSC on the Isle of Man in October 2021. This includes all forms of COVID-19 tests that have been used by in October 2021. 1) This request is substantially similar to FOI request #1641517. Feel free to re-use any relevant parts of the response that are still applicable. Note that FOI request #1641517 was submitted prior to the widespread use of lateral flow device testing (LFDs). 2) I note the technical data provided online here: https://covid19.gov.im/general-information/testing-results/ a) I note that there is no information on the estimated specificity or sensitivity of LFDs on that web page. b) That web page provides information on the QuantuMDx RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Detection Test, and the Hologic Aptima (Panther System) TMA (Transcription Mediated Amplification) SARS-CoV-2 Assay, and Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay, and the Biofire FilmArray Respiratory (RP) 2.1 panel. If the information provided on that website is accurate as it relates to those tests, there is no need to provide any responsive records related to these tests - the existing website information is sufficient.

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: 2061889 8 November 2021

Dear ###

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

"Hi, I am writing to make a freedom of information request for all the information to which I am entitled under the relevant Freedom of Information provisions. I am an Isle of Man resident. Please send me: "The most-recent records showing the specificity and the sensitivity of the COVID-19 testing procedures used on the Isle of Man in October 2021." a) By "most-recent records" I mean the records (as defined in the Freedom of Information Act) which shows the most-recent information for the current variety of COVID-19 testing procedures. b) By "specificity and sensitivity" I mean those words as usually used by the World Health Organisation and other medical bodies. c) By "the COVID-19 testing procedures used on the Isle of Man in 2021" I mean the full processes (including sample collection, sample testing, and all the way through to patient notification) that have been used by the DHSC on the Isle of Man in October 2021. This includes all forms of COVID-19 tests that have been used by in October 2021. 1) This request is substantially similar to FOI request #1641517. Feel free to re-use any relevant parts of the response that are still applicable. Note that FOI request #1641517 was submitted prior to the widespread use of lateral flow device testing (LFDs). 2) I note the technical data provided online here: https://covid19.gov.im/general-information/testing-results/ a) I note that there is no information on the estimated specificity or sensitivity of LFDs on that web page.

b) That web page provides information on the QuantuMDx RT-PCR SARS- CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Detection Test, and the Hologic Aptima (Panther System) TMA (Transcription Mediated Amplification) SARS-CoV-2 Assay, and Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay, and the Biofire FilmArray Respiratory (RP) 2.1 panel. If the information provided on that website is accurate as it relates to those tests, there is no need to provide any responsive records related to these tests - the existing website information is sufficient."

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 Manx Care who may be able to help you: Manx Care, Head Office, Noble’s Hospital Estate, Strang, Braddan, Isle of Man, IM4 4RJ or, submit a freedom of information request to Manx Care directly: https://iomportal.icasework.com/resource?id=741209&db=iom. Please quote the reference number 2061889 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 sincerely