Multiplex lateral flow test sensitivity and specificity in detecting influenza A, B and SARS-CoV-2 in adult patients in a UK emergency department.

Background: Rapid identification of individuals with acute respiratory infections is crucial for preventing nosocomial infections. For rapid diagnosis, especially in EDs, lateral flow devices (LFDs) are a convenient, inexpensive option with a rapid turnaround. Several 'multiplex' LFDs (M-LFDs) now exist, testing for multiple pathogens from a single swab sample.

Effectiveness and user experience of nose and throat swabbing techniques for SARS-CoV-2 detection: results from the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.

Background: The UK's National Health Service Test and Trace (NHSTT) program aimed to provide the most effective and accessible SARS-CoV-2 testing approach possible. Early user feedback indicated that there were accessibility issues associated with throat swabbing. We report the results of service evaluations performed by NHSTT to assess the effectiveness and user acceptance of swabbing approaches, as well as qualitative findings of user experiences from research reports, surveys, and incident reports.

Enhancement on selenium volatilization for phytoremediation: role of plant and soil microbe interaction.

This study aimed at quantifying the potential effects of plant and soil microbial interaction on selenium (Se) volatilization, with the specific objectives of identifying soil bacteria associated with rabbitfoot grass () and demonstrating the enhancement of Se volatilization in the soil-Indian mustard () system through inoculation of the soil with the identified best Se-volatilizing bacterial strain. Soil bacteria were isolated from topsoil and rhizosphere soils of rabbitfoot grass, and the bacterial colonies were characterized via PCR-DGGE and DGGE band analysis prior to their identification using 16S rDNA sequencing technique. produced over 500-fold more volatile Se in a culture medium treated with 15 µg Se/mL (equal mixture of SeO , SeO and selenomethionine) than any of the other eight identified bacterial strains.

Can self-testing be enhanced to hasten safe return of healthcare workers in pandemics? Random order, open label trial using two manufacturers' SARS-CoV-2 lateral flow devices concurrently and nested viral culture study.

Background: Covid-19 healthcare worker testing, isolation and quarantine policies had to balance risks to patients from the virus and from staff absence. The emergence of the Omicron variant led to dangerous levels of key-worker absence globally. We evaluated whether using two manufacturers' lateral flow tests (LFTs) concurrently improved SARS-CoV-2 Omicron detection significantly and was acceptable to hospital staff.

Comparative evaluation of swabbing sites for Omicron variant detection in PCR testing.

Purpose: The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 raised concerns about the best sampling sites for PCR testing, with early indications suggesting throat swab samples were better than nasal swab samples. Our study evaluated the sensitivity of detecting SARS-CoV-2 across different swabbing sites.

Methods: Participants undergoing testing at NHS Test and Trace sites in England provided self-collected samples using nose only, throat only, and combined nose and throat swabs, which were analysed by realtime PCR.