News
College of Medial Laboratory Science warns of pitfalls in rapid antigen testing
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The government was currently relying solely on rapid antigen tests for its random testing programme and that could lead to issues unless special attention was paid to errors in such test results, President of the College of Medical Laboratory Science, Ravi Kumudesh warned yesterday.
Kumudesh told The Island that rapid antigen tests were a quick fix, it was common for those tests to have errors.
Kumudesh said: “We need to have an external quality control mechanism to verify these results. Before sending people to quarantine or treatment centres based on rapid antigen tests, the health minister can also subject them to PCR tests.”
Commenting on the random testing that was being conducted, Kumudesh said that at least 10 mobile labs should be set up by the government, and they should have the ability to conduct both PCR tests and rapid antigen tests. Unfortunately, the Health Ministry hadn’t paid attention to it, he said.
“The Health Ministry doesn’t talk to relevant professionals about testing at the grassroots. Practical issues at that level are not addressed as a result. If we fail to provide accurate test results people will lose their faith in the entire system.
“There are four ministers entrusted with various aspects of health. However, the President has to say where random testing has to be done. For the ministry to take swift action, the President has to issue orders. It is obvious that this is not a healthy situation. The COVID-19 eradication programme will head for a serious crisis if relevant officers twiddle their thumbs until the President issues orders.”
Kumudesh said that while replacing PCR tests with rapid antigen testing would produce a large number of false data and wrong mapping of the COVID hotspots.
However, given the current health crisis, they were not opposed to the use of rapid antigen test kits strategically, he said.
Kumudesh said: “In the broader context, the rapid antigen testing is like a straw given to a desperate drowning man but we are in a position where even this straw might come in handy. We believe that the sensitivity of the test, based on peer reviewed research conducted by other countries, to be around 50-60%. The Health Ministry must create an algorithm, identify areas where PCR testing can’t be done and use the rapid tests there. It would be good even if we can get some results in an area where PCR testing is impossible but it will be a mess if we try to substitute rapid antigen testing for PCR testing.”
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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