Latin America resorts to COVID self-tests as cases rise

Latin American countries that have been slow or reluctant to approve home COVID-19 tests that are widely used in developed countries are now turning to them to deal with a resurgence of the virus in one of the world’s hardest-hit regions.

Brazil approved last Friday the self-tests to combat the exponential increase in cases caused by the omicron variant. Argentina gave the green light in early January, after Peru and Chile, which were the first to approve them last year.

Most are still in the process of importing the tests and signing deals with companies to distribute them to pharmacies and retail stores amid growing global demand.

Health authorities say that, along with vaccinations and the use of face masks, self-tests manufactured by companies such as Abbott Laboratories Y Roche Holding AG they are a crucial tool for people and governments trying to stop a pandemic that has lasted two years and has claimed the lives of more than 5.6 million people around the world.

The tests take only about 15 minutes, which is in contrast to the days it takes for a laboratory PCR test, although they return more false negatives.

Some Latin American authorities fear that self-tests will generate a “false sense of security” and may skew official data.

In Honduras, authorities are reluctant to approve home tests because it would be difficult for people to take one “good sample”, according to Mitzi Castro, head of the Honduran National Virology Laboratory.

The home teststhey can generate many false negatives, it is the conclusion we have reached. They are not recommended because people trust each other“, He said.

The Ecuadorian government banned them for “epidemiological reasons”. In fact, the country has never allowed self-assessment for diseases in the past. Currently, lab tests are available only to people who need them for medical or travel reasons, and a prescription is required.

Around the world, the implementation of self-tests has varied by country. Spain, France, Great Britain, the United States and Germany gave them the go-ahead, although supply has not kept up with demand.

President Joe Biden will send 500 million free COVID-19 tests to American homes as these home tests sell for triple the retail price. Abbott said it is currently manufacturing more than 100 million tests to meet growing demand.

Only people with symptoms

Given that laboratory tests are limited, some Latin American countries are prioritizing patients with symptoms, while others have asked the population to quarantine instead of being tested due to high demand.

Undersecretary for Health Mexico, Hugo Lopez Gatellsaid that the country is experiencing a shortage of laboratory tests and asked the population not to saturate public and private laboratories.

“Instead of running to the kiosk to get tested, we have to stay home.” noted last month Lopez Gatell at a press conference. “The shortage of tests is global”.

Bertha Hidalgoan associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said home tests need to be implemented alongside a strong educational program.

“People need to know that the time during which they are tested is the only time during which they can be sure that they are not contagious“, He said. “If they give a positive result, they must take the corresponding measures.”