On October 1, a new algorithm for managing patients with suspected coronavirus infection begins in Moscow. All patients with symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections will undergo compulsory rapid antigen tests for COVID-19. A positive result will be regarded as a confirmed case of the disease. Such patients will immediately be prescribed a treatment regimen and given medications, as well as provided with documents authorizing their self-isolation. The corresponding order was signed by the head of the Health Department of the capital, the department’s website reports.
According to Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor for Social Development, head of the Operational Headquarters for the COVID-19 Control and Monitoring in Moscow, rapid testing for antigen to coronavirus infection in patients with ARVI symptoms in the Russian capital in a pilot mode began in July.
“The tests are highly sensitive: in 85% of cases their result coincides with PCR. Taking into account their high efficiency, in the contest of the growing number of new cases, it was decided to approve a new algorithm for working with patients. Now the antigen test will be mandatory for all patients with ARVI symptoms. Thanks to this approach, we can quickly make a diagnosis, which means we can start treatment on the same day, which is critically important for COVID-19 patients,” Rakova said.
An express test for a coronavirus antigen is a quick diagnostics method that allows for a high probability of diagnosing COVID-19 in 10-20 minutes. Such tests will be taken not only from patients with ARVI symptoms, but also from everyone in the household of a person whose antigen test is positive. Along with rapid testing, patients will undergo PCR testing as well.
A new therapy for the treatment of pregnant women with COVID-19 has been introduced in Moscow. In addition, as it was previously reportedthe Moscow authorities will allocate 700 million for the procurement and processing of blood for the treatment of coronavirus.