Private companies carried out 19,447 Covid-19 tests in the week of October 21st to 27th, with a positivity rate of 30.6%
From October 21st to 27th, companies associated with the Brazilian Association of Diagnostic Medicine (Abramed) carried out 19,447 Covid-19 tests, compared to 14,881 registered in the previous week, from October 14th to 20th, representing an increase of 30.68% . The number of Covid-19 tests carried out from October 21 to 27 is the highest in the last six weeks.
The positivity rate from October 21st to 27th reached 5,948, which means 30.6% of the total number of tests carried out. In the week of October 14th to 20th there were 4,769 positives, representing 32% of the total. Even with the growth of more than 30% in the number of tests compared between weeks, the positivity rate remained constant, around 30%.
“The increase in the total number of Covid-19 tests and the absolute number of positive tests, even with the maintenance of the positivity rate, shows the growth in the circulation of the virus in the country. Positivity at 30% is quite high, just lower compared to times of higher incidence of cases, in the second and third waves of the pandemic”, comments Alex Galoro, leader of the Technical Committee for Clinical Analysis at Abramed.
According to him, these data highlight the need to reinforce protection and prevention measures against infection, including, as a priority, vaccination. “Brazil still maintains low vaccination coverage, leaving the population more exposed to the disease and more serious cases”, adds Galoro.
Analyzing the year 2023, the lowest positivity rate was recorded in the week of June 24th to 30th: 3.5%. Since then, it has gradually increased, while the number of tests performed has varied each week. Since the week of September 30th to October 6th, the positivity rate has been around 30%.
It is worth remembering that Abramed members are responsible for 65% of the total volume of exams carried out in supplementary health in Brazil.
Abramed plays a fundamental role in compiling and recording data related to the evolution of Covid-19. The associated clinical laboratories send test results directly to the National Health Data Network (RNDS/DATASUS), contributing to epidemiological monitoring by the Ministry of Health.
This information is essential to assess the pandemic situation and guide public health measures. The entity also emphasizes the importance of following prevention and care guidelines to combat the spread of the virus and protect everyone’s health.
