Clalit Health Services received 13 "Sofia" devices which allow quick detection of Corona

Clalit Health Services received 13 "Sofia" devices from the Ministry of Health, which allow quick detection of the corona virus and a response to the test in just 15 minutes. The receipt of the devices was agreed between the Deputy Minister of Health, MK Yoav Kish, and Clalit's CEO, Prof. Ehud Dodson.
 The devices will start operating in the near future in selected clinics and hospitals of Clalit. Eleven devices will be operated at Clalit HMO's sampling centers in localities where there are high morbidity rates and two more devices will be installed at Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba and Soroka in Be'er Sheva. Corona tests using these devices will begin in the near future as soon as the Ministry of Health receives instructions for their operation and sets the criteria for administering the test using them.
 Dr. Doron Netzer, Head of the Department of Medicine at Clalit Health Services' Community Division, said that the addition of 13 test devices that give a result within 15-20 minutes will improve the availability of corona tests and reduce the existing load on the laboratories. At the clinic, thus saving the need to wait for an answer. "
 The device detects the corona virus SARS-CoV-2 in a method based on antigen detection using a direct swab sample from the patient. The result, positive or negative for the corona virus, is obtained within only 15-20 minutes from the moment of sampling. The device enables high-certainty detection of corona carriers especially among subjects with symptomatic. Subjects who receive a positive answer will be defined as corona carriers and thus it will be possible to perform an immediate epidemiological investigation and severely interrupt the chain of infection. When a negative answer is obtained, further testing by the standard sampling method (PCR) will be required.
Dr. Netzer added, "Given the jump in the number of patients, the scope of activity in hospitals and community clinics is of a magnitude we have not yet known as an example. In general, more than 26,000 Corona nationals are treated at home or in hotels and hundreds of patients hospitalized. We are in the midst of a significant health event, in which the teams work around the clock and tirelessly to respond to all Israeli citizens. I reiterate my call for adherence to the guidelines: wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, maintaining a physical distance and maintaining hygiene. We are in a joint struggle to reduce the extent of the disease. "