Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 29 September 2020

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response

Covid-19: Update on Testing and Tracing and Rising Incidence in the State

Dr. Colm Henry:

We are evaluating antigen testing. I appreciate the representations the Deputy made in respect of it. I expect the result of the evaluation is imminent but I repeat what I said, that is, that the experience here, based on international evidence, and although we are not closed off to new ideas, is that PCR remains the most sensitive test. We need sensitivity to identify in the most accurate way those who have the virus and are at risk of passing it on and close contacts, asymptomatic or otherwise, who are carrying it.