Rose Urges Adoption of Pooled Sampling as Key to Necessary Drastic Increases in COVID-19 Testing

Press Release

Congressman Max Rose, who has been a leader in pushing to expand COVID-19 testing capabilities and access, is urging broad adaptation of pooled sampling as a tool to drastically expand continued and ongoing testing to help safely reopen the economy.

"Until we have a coronavirus vaccine, testing on a massive scale is critical to safely reopening," Rose said. "Regular and ongoing testing is essential to keeping workers safe and businesses open. I believe the most efficient and effective way to do so is through pooled sampling, especially when positive test rates are as low as they currently are."

Pooled sampling, which has been touted by experts as a very accurate and efficient innovation in coronavirus testing, combines anywhere from two to twenty test samples from individuals to test all at once. If and when a pooled sample tests positive, each person would be re-tested individually. Currently, positive test rates range between one to six percent, and with hundreds of thousands of tests being conducted every day, pooled sampling would help preserve critical testing supplies.

"I strongly urge you, as our nation's Testing Czar, to develop and execute a plan for the United States to adopt pooled sampling, the latest innovation in COVID-19 testing," wrote Rose in a letter to Admiral Brett P. Giroir, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). "As you know, pooled sampling is when large numbers of test samples--anywhere from 2 to 20 specimens at once--are pooled together and then screened at once. If you get a positive result from a pool, you then test each person in the sample. As we continue to see the number of positive cases hover at just 1-6% of those tested, pooled sampling can make a huge impact to help us identify those infected and isolate them while getting our economy back in track."

Rose has also called on New York State and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to adopt pooled sampling programs, calling it a potential "game changer." In a letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, Rose wrote that pooled sampling could, "get large numbers of people tested quickly at the VA. This will be especially helpful at VA nursing homes." Additionally, in a letter to Governor Cuomo, Rose wrote that pooled sampling could "get large numbers of people tested quickly--including for nursing homes, hospitals, businesses, and public housing among many others. For businesses of all sizes, this can help them reopen and stay open knowing they can test workers in large numbers and on a regular basis if needed."

Rose has been a leader in fighting to expand testing access and capabilities on Staten Island and in South Brooklyn. Last month, Rose announced that in partnership with Governor Cuomo, AdvantageCare Physicians has begun COVID-19 testing and diagnostics at three new locations in Bay Ridge and on Staten Island. Rose also helped secure critical approvals and equipment which allowed Brooklyn-based Lenco Diagnostic Laboratories to begin COVID-19 antibody testing. Additionally, Rose helped secure rapid testing machines and necessary supplies for Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), and after urging by Rose, the Governor opened the first drive-through testing facility in New York City on Staten Island.

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