People are being warned to watch check the packaging on Covid antigen tests to make sure they are safe and effective.
In recent weeks, at-home tests which offer an all-in-one check for Covid-19, flu and RSV have come on the market. Thousands of people in Ireland have purchased these antigen tests, and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), Ireland’s medicines watchdog said yesterday it does not have a role in approving these products for sale in Ireland.
According to the HPRA, customers should check that these antigen tests are EU approved and has a CE mark. The basic advice from the HSE remains that if an antigen test is positive you should isolate at home and seek medical help if your symptoms worsen.
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According to the HPRA, the manufacturer needs to be carrying out ongoing tests to ensure they are working as advertised and conform with current Irish legislation. As the HPRA has no role in certifying the devices for the EU market, it said that it "is unable to comment on the efficacy of the above mentioned device."
It said in a statement: "The HPRA strongly encourages members of the public and healthcare professionals to report any safety issues that they have experienced with a medical device to the HPRA. Further information in relation to the reporting of safety issues can be found on the HPRA website here.
Meanwhile, the HSE has confirmed that it has seen a drop in Covid-19 cases. There has been a 47% decrease in Covid-19 cases in hospital, with figures dropping from 1,836 over the course of one week.
The HSE's Chief Clinical Officer Colm Henry said: "The latest data would suggest that the flu season has peaked, and that the pressure from COVID-19 and RSV continues to decline. However, even if this pattern continues, we expect ongoing pressure on the healthcare system from these viruses."
He added: "We urge ongoing compliance to public health advice, including vaccination against influenza and Covid-19 for eligible groups, as well as the importance of staying at home for people with respiratory symptoms until after they have resolved."
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