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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 301 asked in the Legislative Council on 1 April 2020 by Hon Peter Collier

Parliament: 40 Session: 1

CORONAVIRUS — TESTING

301. Hon PETER COLLIER to the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Health:

My question without notice is asked on behalf of Hon Simon O'Brien, who is on urgent parliamentary business.

(1) What are the tests or other methods available to government to detect COVID-19 infection in humans?

(2) How reliable is the testing regime currently in use and how long does it take to provide a result?

(3) Is the government planning for the mass testing of all Western Australians; and, if so, when might that occur?

(4) If no to (3), what are the policy and/or logistical considerations that led to that decision?

Hon ALANNA CLOHESY replied:

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.

(1) PathWest uses a molecular polymerase chain reaction test to detect the presence of COVID-19. This is the recommended testing methodology in Australia, and is based on a body of international evidence and recommendations.

(2) The COVID-19 test offered by PathWest and other reference laboratories around Australia is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of acute COVID-19 illness in our community. The turnaround time for COVID-19 samples is up to 72 hours from when they are received in the laboratory, with many factors influencing the turnaround time on a daily basis. Currently, testing is being completed within 24 hours.

(3) There are no plans to undertake mass testing of all Western Australians.

(4) Testing asymptomatic individuals for COVID-19 is not recommended. A person who is incubating the disease but not yet symptomatic may test negative, providing false reassurance.