Noble’s Hospital is of the highest clinical standards. The lab follows the UK Government Health Security Agency’s (UKSHA) recommended methodology, supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). All tests are verified using internal and external quality controls from the National External Quality Assurance Scheme (NEQAS) and the LGC (a leading global life science company) and show 100% concordance with control samples. Every test is run with positive and negative controls. This provides the team with absolute assurance that its testing methodology and quality are validated in line with international standards.
Manx Care is not able to discuss any individual cases, regardless of someone’s positive or negative Covid status nor is it in a position to comment on results produced by private labs as it is not aware of the controls or techniques in place there.
Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the lab has performed approximately 140,000 PCR tests. PCR tests are close to 100% accurate. However there will be rare occasions when false results are reported.
In the Isle of Man, lateral flow devices are returning a positive predictive rate of about 90% (where people test positive for Covid-19 on a lateral flow device and subsequently return a positive PCR test too). Since PCR tests may not be 100% sensitive, it means there will inevitably be rare occasions when an LFD shows positive and a PCR shows negative.
The guidance is clear. For people who display symptoms of Covid-19, or any other respiratory illness, it is advised that they stay at home and keep away from other people until they no longer have any symptoms.
Manx Care would like to take this opportunity to thank colleagues based in the Pathology Lab at Noble’s Hospital, the 111 team plus the Swabbing Team at the Grandstand who have worked tirelessly over the last 21 months to serve the residents of our Island and respond to the unprecedented situation posed by Covid-19. These teams have provided a seven-day-a-week service, often working incredibly long hours and in challenging conditions, striving to deliver an exceptional service. They are some of the unsung heroes of this pandemic and Manx Care would like to publicly place its gratitude to them on record. The organisation is incredibly proud of all its colleagues and the services they provide.
