This Horizon Scan report examines the use of breath tests to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19 infections. Breath tests for SARS-CoV-2 work by analyzing the volatile organic compounds (compounds produced by virus-infected cells) present in exhaled breath. Issues related to these tests, such as current practice and […]
This report looks at the current evidence regarding diagnostic tests that can detect both severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection) and seasonal influenza. Combined diagnostic tests can be used to detect both viruses from 1 respiratory sample in a single reaction. The availability of these tests, their cost, […]
This report provides information on the availability, accuracy, safety, cost, and other considerations for using self-administered screening tests at home for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2. Using nasal swab samples, these tests can provide a result within 30 minutes. The report includes a list of available at-home tests and their respective accuracy […]
This newsletter article provides an overview of saliva-based testing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article briefly explores the different types of COVID-19 tests, the potential advantages of using saliva samples for testing, the clinical evidence, and the current practice in Canada. Link to Report Saliva-Based Testing as an Alternative to Traditional COVID-19 […]
This CADTH Horizon Scan describes how rapid point-of-care screening tests for COVID-19 are being used in Canada and internationally. It also reports on evidence regarding their effectiveness on COVID-19 transmission (no studies identified) and performance. The scan identifies guidance documents that provide suggestions for use in specific settings and populations. Link to Report Rapid Point-of-Care […]
If accurate, antibody-based serology tests may provide information on who has COVID-19 or who has been infected. Health Canada is actively assessing these tests within the expedited access process. However, to date, the performance and role of these tests in clinical settings has not been completely demonstrated. Currently, evidence to confirm that individuals have immunity […]
This report provides an overview of testing methods for COVID-19. A description of published clinical evidence and important considerations related to the potential implementation of these tests are provided. As demands for testing during the pandemic increases, this information may be of interest to health care decision-makers interested in learning more about the availability and […]
This newsletter explores recent developments in testing for COVID-19. Testing for COVID-19 infection is important to stopping spread of the virus. There is also a need for tests that can quickly provide results. Evidence related to rapid point-of-care antigen testing — such as current practice, availability in Canada, cost, and safety — are summarized in […]
CADTH conducted a Rapid Response Report to search for evidence-based guidelines regarding the use of stool-based screening tests, screening triage tools, or management algorithms for colorectal cancer screening. However, no relevant evidence-based guidelines were identified in these searches. Link to Report Triage Tools and Management Algorithms for Colorectal Cancer Screening: Guidelines
CADTH conducted a Rapid Response Report to search for evidence-based guidelines regarding resuming routine cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic. One evidence-based guideline from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute was identified. However, no evidence-based guidelines that were either broader in scope, or specific to other fields, were identified. Link to Report Resumption of Routine […]
CADTH conducted a Rapid Response report to search for evidence on the clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of remote monitoring medical devices for COVID-19. No relevant literature was identified for either the clinical utility or the cost-effectiveness of remote monitoring medical devices for COVID-19. Therefore, no conclusions can be drawn based on this review. Link to […]
This briefing note explores issues related to returning to work amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including workplaces at high risk, workplace control strategies, and the potential role of testing in enhancing workplace safety. Link to Report Workplace COVID-19 Prevention Measures and the Role of Testing in Workplace Safety
This issue of Health Technology Update features brief summaries of information on a range of technologies that aim to support the prevention, identification, and management of COVID-19 — from smartphone apps for contact tracing to self-collected sampling for diagnostic testing. These technologies were identified through the CADTH Horizon Scanning Service as topics of potential interest […]
CADTH conducted an ultra-rapid response report to evaluate the clinical utility of pulse oximetry monitoring (including portable pulse oximetry devices) for patients at risk of hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) due to COVID-19. CADTH’s review also searched for any evidence-based guidelines. No evidence specific to COVID-19 was identified; however, four non-randomized studies of patients at risk of […]
CADTH conducted a Focused Critical Appraisal examining the methodology, scientific rigour, and findings of the ECRI Clinical Evidence Assessment on infrared temperature devices for infectious disease screening during outbreaks. Overall, at the time of the review, there was insufficient evidence to suggest that non-contact infrared temperature screening is effective for detecting infected individuals. Link to […]
CADTH conducted a Rapid Response report to search for evidence-based guidelines related to the use of digital stethoscopes for pulmonary auscultation in patients with suspected or confirmed infectious disease. No relevant evidence-based guidelines were identified; therefore, no conclusions can be drawn based on this review. Note that a list of other potentially relevant citations can […]
This bulletin describes point-of-care testing for influenza, including the available evidence on specific test devices. The bulletin may be of interest to decision-makers looking for quicker ways to diagnose coronavirus. Link to Report Point-of-Care Testing for Influenza