A problem has arisen as many people pick up more home tests than they currently need.
In combination with the currently high spread of infection in the region, this means that the delivery stations sometimes gape empty.
From toilet paper to self-testing kits
- It seems that people have switched from hoarding toilet paper to self-tests.
I understand that it is attractive, but at the moment it means delaying testing for potential cases of covid-19, says Mats Martinell.
The sampling unit therefore urges to take only the test that will be consumed immediately.
PCR self-tests equally reliable
Until recently, sampling for symptoms of covid-19 has been taken at a so-called sampling station, by medically trained personnel.
But after investigating the alternative with self-testing kits, the region has switched to being asked to test itself at home in case of symptoms.
- These PCR self-tests prove to be just as reliable as the assisted samples, says Mats Martinell, at the sampling unit and infection tracking.
He also points out that PCR self-tests are not the same as the quick tests that can be bought in stores, which have significantly lower reliability.
In the clip: See the workshop where 1,500 self-testing kits are packaged daily, and hear Martinell describe the hoarding situation.