Experts weigh in as N.B. changes COVID-19 PCR testing policy to require medical referrals – CBC
Virologist supports the move, infection control epidemiologist calls it ‘unfortunate’ but not surprising
Apr 01, 2023
An Atlantic region scientist who studies immune system responses to viruses says he supports the further cutback in COVID-19 PCR testing, which takes effect in New Brunswick today, while an infection control epidemiologist calls the move “unfortunate” but not surprising.
New Brunswickers who have COVID-19 symptoms can no longer self-refer for a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, which is processed in a lab and considered the gold standard for diagnosis.
PCR tests are now only available to people with symptoms for whom “the outcome of PCR testing will directly influence treatment or care” — and they require a referral from a health-care provider, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner.
“I’m not sure there are many situations right now where … you would need a PCR test, you know, if you already have access to a rapid test,” said Rod Russell, a professor of immunology and virology at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador,
“And that’s maybe the key right there, is the access to the rapid test, right?”
