Definition of "omicron": medical clinics report an increase in demand for PCR tests

In January 2022, compared to December 2021, 52% more PCR tests for the SARS-CoV-2 CORONAVIRUS were performed in Perm. Such results are reported by specialists of the Invitro-Priivolzhye clinic.

The dynamics of growth continues in February: in the period from January 24 to February 7, 2.6 times (or 158%) more tests were performed in Perm compared to the period from January 10 to January 23. Increased demand is observed throughout the network of Invitro laboratories in RUSSIA, on average at the level of 17% from week to week.

“At the end of January, the number of cases of respiratory diseases increased, including covid-19 . In connection with the emergence of the Omicron coronavirus strain, we are introducing a new test for the detection of this strain. The number of calls has increased not only to medical offices, but also to the “Departure to Home” service. We also note an increase in the number of applications with children aged 5 to 10 years, ”Tatyana Neumolotova, HEAD physician of Invitro-Privolzhye, talks about the reasons.

The colossal growth of PCR testing is also noted in the MedTest clinic. In December, 92 PCR tests were carried out in the clinic, in January - 116, in 10 days of February, Perm residents have already done 91 tests (almost 80% of the January figure). If PCR testing continues to be in the same demand, then at the end of the month, the indicator for February compared to January may increase by 135% or 2.3 times. Since February 7, the clinic has also introduced the definition of Omicron and Delta strains. So far this service has been used twice. In addition, MedTest announces a significant increase in demand for a rapid test for the determination of the coronavirus antigen. In January, only 48 Perm residents underwent the procedure, in 10 days of February, almost twice as many patients of the clinic used the service - 88 people.

The KDL group of companies reported that they also noted an increased demand for PCR testing.