About 15,000 people are currently taking part in the self-test study of the so-called Infection Radar of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). With the research that started on Monday, the institute wants to keep an eye on the number of infections from respiratory infections. “In order to do that better, we actually hope for even more registrations,” says a spokesperson for the RIVM.
People who have signed up already fill in briefly with the Infection Radar on a weekly basis whether they have symptoms of disease or not. If they also participate in the new self-test study, they can take a corona self-test if they have complaints. All people who participate will receive a self-test package. It contains three corona tests and a collection set for the nose and throat sample. “And when the tests are finished, they will get new ones,” said the spokesperson.
If someone’s self-test is positive, the Infection Radar asks that person to take and send a nose and throat sample. An investigation must show which variant of the virus someone is carrying. In order to monitor the other cold viruses and flu, the Infection Radar asks some of the people who tested negative to take a nose and throat sample.
Out of view
“In the future, the Infection Radar will allow us to respond more quickly if a large flu or corona wave is coming. Because many people who are ill do not go to the GP or the hospital, so they remain out of the picture until now,” says the spokesperson. With the study, RIVM monitors all so-called ‘respiratory infections’, or infections of the respiratory tract. In the future, other diseases may be investigated via the Infection Radar.
A maximum of 50,000 people can participate in the self-test study. Until May 21, 2023, they will then be asked every week whether they have symptoms of disease. “We would prefer a good representation of the Dutch population in order to monitor properly,” says the spokesperson. Currently, there are slightly more older people participating, of whom slightly more men than women. Of the younger people, more women have registered. The 15,000 who have now signed up for the self-test study can already get started. (ANP)