COVID-19: Pooled PCR salvia tests for all

Based on the Covid-19 Regulation 3 (as of 20 September 2021), the «TOGETHER WE TEST» platform, which has been in use since spring this year, will be expanded. In addition to access for individuals («Pool tests for all»), the expansion of the platform also includes the option of issuing certificates. Talks are being held with all cantons for this purpose, as the issuing of certificates requires a cantonal decision in accordance with the ordinance. The new solution will be available from 15 October 2021. Details on the implementation will be communicated in detail on 8 October 2021 (via media release).

PCR saliva tests for all

With the “Pool tests for everyone” project, everyone living in Switzerland has access to pooled and therefore inexpensive PCR saliva tests. It is up to them whether they are tested once or at regular intervals. A saliva sample is given to participating service providers such as pharmacies and the identity of the person to be tested is verified. The individually submitted samples are then mixed together and sent to the laboratory as a pool sample for analysis. In the event of a negative test result and if the canton supports this, a certificate can be issued thanks to the identity check. Talks are currently being held with various service providers in order to ensure the highest possible distribution and availability of the tests. 

Repetitive testing 

From 15 October 2021, it will also be possible to issue certificates on the «TOGETHER WE TEST» platform as part of repetitive testing in schools, companies and health care facilities. The activation of the certificate function depends on the requirements of the respective canton. In addition, institutions and companies in cantons that do not have a test concept can use external pooling service providers such as pharmacies to perform repetitive tests.

«With «Pool tests for all» and the additional possibility of issuing certificates, we have once again succeeded in launching an extremely innovative and needs-oriented offer together with our partners within the framework of «TOGETHER WE TEST in a very short time», »says Daniel Liedtke, CEO of the Hirslanden Group.

Already over 2 million tests

Since the beginning of «TOGETHER WE TEST» at the end of March 2021, more than 308,377 pools, which corresponds to more than 2 million individual tests, have been evaluated via the platform. Over 6,100 companies, schools and health facilities are now registered on the platform. The positivity rate of the analysed pool samples is currently 1.57% across the eleven contractual cantons. 

About Hirslanden

The Hirslanden Group operates 17 hospitals in 10 cantons, many of which have an emergency department. It also operates 4 outpatient surgical units, 17 radiology institutes and 5 radiotherapy institutes. Together with public and private cooperation partners, Hirslanden focuses on the continuum of care and the promoting of high-quality, responsible, personalised and efficiently integrated healthcare.

The Hirslanden Group has 2 314 partner doctors and 10 711 employees, 479 of whom are permanently employed doctors. Hirslanden is the largest medical network in Switzerland. In the 2020/21 financial year, the Group generated turnover of CHF 1 796 million (incl. CHF 12.6 Mio. cantonal COVID-19 compensations). As at 31.3.2021, the Group had treated 107 401 patients, amounting to a total of 461 004 inpatient days. In insurance terms, the patient mix consists of 51% basic, 28.8% semi-private, and 20.2% private insured patients.

Hirslanden is synonymous with first-class medical care provided by highly qualified medical specialists with many years of experience. As a system provider, the Group stands out from the rest of the market: interdisciplinary medical centres of expertise and specialised institutes enable it to offer the best possible individualised treatment, even in highly complex cases. The Hirslanden Group was formed in 1990 through the merger of several hospitals. Since 2007, it has been part of the international hospital group Mediclinic International plc, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange.