Manufacturer of the PCR tests (FOI)

Request

Could you please confirm and supply the make and name of all the PCR tests that Jersey has and are using since March 2020 to 30 July 2021.

Response

A PCR test is not a single device but a process. PCR testing requires three phases:

1) sample collection,

2) extraction of viral genetic material

3) polymerase chain reaction using thermal cycling

Phase one is conducted using a sterilised swab while phases two and three and completed within laboratory settings on island, with some samples sent off-island for more advance genotyping to identify COVID-19 variants.

The swabs used by the Government of Jersey are Medical Wire Covid-19 Green Swabs (MW195S) as supplied by Medical Wire Equipment UK.

As further information is already available in previous Freedom of Information (FOI) responses it is therefore exempt under Article 23 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011.

Further information on PCR testing regarding manufacturer and laboratory phases can be found in previous FOI requests:

Manufacturer of PCR Covid tests kits (FOI) 

Thermal cycles of PCR tests (FOI)

Chemicals used in PCR testing (FOI)

Exemption applied

Article 23 Information accessible to applicant by other means

(1) Information is absolutely exempt information if it is reasonably available to the applicant, otherwise than under this Law, whether or not free of charge.

(2) A scheduled public authority that refuses an application for information on this ground must make reasonable efforts to inform the applicant where the applicant may obtain the information.