ABSTRACT
Background: The global pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still spreading. As a result, rapid, simple, and accurate diagnostics to diagnose severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are urgently needed. For the diagnosis of COVID-19 cases, the performance characteristics of the quick SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection test should be investigated and compared to the gold standard real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. The utility of the antigen detection test is reported from field evaluation. However, an interesting concern is on the utility of the test. Methods: Here, the authors perform a cost utility analysis to appraise rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection assay in comparison versus real-time RT-PCR assay for laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19. Results: According to the analysis, the cost per utility of rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection assay is 3.24 times less than that of comparison versus real-time RT-PCR assay. Conclusion: Hence, it can conclude that rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection assay is appropriate for using for diagnosis of COVID-19 in term of cost-utility. © The Author(s) 2023.
ABSTRACT
We would like to discuss the article, ‘Immunising older Australians: Pre-COVID-19 associations of opportunistic immunisation in general practice registrar consultations' (AJGP October 2022).1 The goal of Fielding et al was to explore the associations of opportunistic older person immunisation in the practice of general practice registrars.1 Fielding et al reported that while general practice registrars are proactively assisting with immunisation in new patients, vaccination disparities exist.1 In our local context of Southeast Asia, local COVID-19 control attempts have faced support or opposition for a variety of reasons. Vaccine anxiety has been connected to trust in the local healthcare system.2,3 Islam et al showed that rumours and conspiracy theories may lead to mistrust, contributing to vaccine hesitancy.4 In the event of a crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, a person's level of faith in their local public health administration influences their willingness to implement public health measures.3 Improving public trust in authorities, specialists and scientists is critical for increasing immunisation rates and providing correct information to sceptics. Because COVID-19 vaccination acceptance varies from report to report, long-term research can provide a fuller picture of how acceptance has altered over time. It is imperative to increase confidence in public health administration. The question of how to do this is intriguing. Regular dissemination of public health information is required, and it must adhere to the principles of accountability and transparency. Local mistrust is frequently associated with a lack of transparency.6 Ongoing situational monitoring can aid in early problem detection and management in the event that a scenario of mistrust arises © The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners 2022