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 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 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
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