When you think of a PCR test, a large group probably does not immediately think of scabies. Soon perhaps, because Amsterdam wants to use PCR tests to detect ‘student STDs’. The little bugs that crawl under your skin, or scabies, are present in large numbers in our capital.
Since the end of 2021, the number of scabies cases nationwide has doubled by four times. To do something about this, the GGD is now developing, among other things, a PCR test and they are conducting source and contact research to detect the skin condition earlier.
PCR testing the solution?
Last year, 15 out of 100,000 people with scabies came to their GP. This year it is 27 out of 100,000. This is evident from figures from the GGD. Amsterdam has been particularly affected. Other student cities are not unscathed either.
Another measure is that visiting hours on Wednesday are no longer the only option to visit the doctor. You can now visit at different times if you have symptoms.
Confusion about scabies
It is important that the spread of scab is prevented. That is difficult, because scabies is regularly confused with eczema. They look the same and they both itch. “With magnifying equipment such as a dermatoscope or microscope, a healthcare provider can show whether it is scabies. But the problem is that these devices are not available everywhere and not every nurse can handle them,” says de Vries.
The solution? PCR testing. Every doctor and nurse can take flakes. These can then be examined in the laboratory. That all goes pretty fast too. All in all, it seems like a good solution for an STI that spreads quickly. However, it is not yet known when the test will be available to the Amsterdammer.
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PCR tests mainly for corona? No, soon also for scabies