Search

During September and October 2021, a substantial number of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests in England processed at a single laboratory were incorrectly reported as negative. We estimate the number of false negative test results issued and investigate the epidemiological impact of this incident. We estimate the number of COVID-19 cases that would have been reported had the sensitivity of the laboratory test procedure not dropped for the period 2 September to 12 October. In addition, by making comparisons between the most affected local areas and comparator populations, we estimate the number of additional infections, cases, hospitalisations and deaths that could have occurred as a result of increased transmission due to false negative test results.We estimate that around 39,000 tests may have been false negatives during this period and, as a direct result of this incident, the most affected areas in the South-West of England could have experienced between 6000 and 34,000 additional reportable cases, with a central estimate of around 24,000 additional reportable cases. Using modelled relationships between key variables, we estimate that this central estimate could have translated to approximately 55,000 additional infections.Each false negative likely led to around 1.5 additional infections. The incident is likely to have had a measurable impact on cases and infections in the affected areas in the South-West of England. These results indicate the significant negative impact of incorrect testing on COVID outcomes; and make a substantial contribution to understanding the impact of testing systems and the need to ensure high accuracy in testing and reporting of results. • During September 2021 a large number of false negative COVID-19 PCR tests were reported by one laboratory in England. • We estimate that around 39,000 tests may have been false negatives during this period and, as a direct result of this incident, the most affected areas in the South-West of England could have experienced between 6000 and 34,000 additional reportable cases. • Each false negative likely led to around 1.5 additional infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the authors share the initial findings from the Parent Support Outreach Program (PSOP), a pilot project in Minnesota that created a preventive pathway for families. They describe the project by identifying the existence of child maltreatment risk factors including poverty, domestic violence and homelessness. They note that two out of three families that received PSOP services reported that they felt more able to care for their children than they did a year ago.

The article presents the findings of the program evaluation of the Minnesota Alternative Response (AR) Project piloted in 20 counties in the state in 2001. The program is a new approach to assisting families reported for child abuse and neglect to child protection services (CPS). One of the changes under AR that differentiated it from the traditional response includes an AR family assessment for families rather than a traditional investigation. Two main findings of the program evaluation emphasized positive results in CPS interventions and the value of preventive services.