Accuracy of LFD testing regime

Summary

The requester asked for records on the specificity and sensitivity of COVID-19 testing procedures used on the Isle of Man in October 2021, specifically noting a lack of LFD data on the government website. Manx Care confirmed the website data was accurate and directed the requester to a House of Keys Official Report from October 26, 2021, which discusses LFD testing accuracy.

Key Facts

• Manx Care confirmed that testing procedures listed on covid19.gov.im are up to date and accurate.
• The authority provided a link to the House of Keys Official Report from 26th October 2021 regarding LFD testing accuracy.
• The request specifically sought data on lateral flow device (LFD) testing which was not present on the public website.
• The response was issued on 12th November 2021 for a request received on 1st November 2021.
• The requester noted that previous FOI request #1641517 was submitted before widespread LFD use.

Data Disclosed

• 2061890
• 2021-11-01
• 2021-11-12
• 26th October 2021
• 1641517
• 2 pages
• 1 document

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

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

Our ref: 2061890 12th November 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 1st 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."

Our Response Manx care can confirm that the testing procedures on the government website,
covid19.gov.im, are up to date and accurate. For advice and assistance we have provided the recent House of Keys Official Report, from 26th October 2021 that discusses the accuracy of LFD testing. This document can also be found by following this link: www.tynwald.org.im/business/hansard/House_of_Keys_Report.

Please quote the reference number 2061890 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.