New program highlights heroic efforts by long-term care staff during pandemic … COVID infections very rare among the vaccinated; no evidence yet that variants change risk … Updated Cochrane review...
Are we there yet? Vaccination success won’t ease need for LTC vigilance, observers say
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 18, 2021
The need for stepped-up infection control measures likely will remain a necessity for the foreseeable future, say industry observers and stakeholders.
GAO: Nursing homes unlikely to use point-of-care COVID tests in states that question accuracy
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 29, 2021
A disconnect between federal and state or local policies has a direct effect on POC antigen test use in these settings, according to a comprehensive report released Thursday by the U.S. Government Accountability...
Assisted living to receive point-of-care COVID-19 antigen tests soon
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Sep 02, 2020
After previously being left out of the federal COVID-19 test allocation program, assisted living providers are about to receive a new antigen test cleared for emergency use last week by the FDA.
FDA approves $5 rapid-results COVID antigen test
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 28, 2020
The test involves a credit-card-sized device that functions like some pregnancy tests. The developer expects to begin shipping large quantities in September.
Question hangs over rapid antigen test equipment program: Can it support new CMS regulations?
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 26, 2020
The new devices are intended for testing symptomatic patients within five days of symptom onset. How this scenario will fit into CMS’s new regulations for testing staff and residents remains to be...
CDC releases guidance for COVID-19 rapid antigen testing
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 21, 2020
The guidance arrives on the heels of a federal campaign to issue on-site COVID-19 testing equipment to nursing homes. AHCA/NCAL has summarized key points relevant to operators.
Clinical briefs for Friday, August 21
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 21, 2020
Healthy diet linked to fewer early Parkinson’s symptoms, Harvard study finds … COVID may remain asymptomatic longer than two weeks … New Illinois rapid COVID saliva test can operate under FDA emergency...
Scientists developing blood test for Alzheimer’s
Jan 12, 2011
Scientists have developed an antibody-screening blood test that may one day be used to detect diseases such as Alzheimer’s.