Challenges Faced in Large-Scale Nucleic Acid Testing during the Sudden Outbreak of the B.1.617.2 (Delta)

Abstract

The Delta variant (B.1.617.2) has dominated in many countries over the world. Its sudden outbreak in China has led the government to quickly carry out large-scale nucleic acid testing to curb its spread. This qualitative study aims to find the challenges based on empirical evidence from the perspectives of the different groups of people involved in the testing, and further explore possible strategies to improve the efficiency of large-scale nucleic acid testing. Using a phenomenological approach, we selected 35 participants (seven managers, eight health professionals, six community volunteers and 14 residents) by purposive sampling. The interviews were conducted by in-depth semi-structured interviews and the data were analyzed by Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Qualitative analysis revealed three main themes: unreasonable and unsafe testing points layout settings, human and medical resources challenges, and potential infection risk. From the different angles, participants all experienced challenges during large-scale nucleic acid testing, making positive planning and adequate preparation important parts of the smooth development of testing. Large-scale nucleic acid testing relies on the cooperation and efforts of all to support containment of the spread of the virus. Local governments should improve their ability to respond to and deal with public health emergencies.

The impact of community nucleic acid testing on infection in residential compounds during a city-wide lockdown

“…Although the nucleic acid test is the most effective method for detecting infections, its efficiency is significantly constrained by the limited medical testing resources available for adequately covering wide geographical areas 2 . To circumvent this, governments worldwide, including those in the United States, China, and South Korea, began implementing centralized nucleic acid testing, or community testing, from 2020 onwards, pooling resources to test specific regional populations within a short timeframe 3 . As a strategy to combat further virus spread, from 2021, the Chinese government routinized centralized testing as a regular measure at the residential compound level.…”

“…However, alongside the potential benefits of community testing, concerns have been raised about the increased risk of infections among those queuing for tests 3 . This issue came into sharp focus during the 2022 Omicron surge in Shanghai, where infection numbers in residential compounds continued to rise despite several weeks of city-wide lockdown.…”