Dan O’Brien, MD via phone, Zoom or Skype from St. Louis
Intro:
Dr. Dan question: Do you find that the recent advances on at home diagnostic testing is a viable option to screen for COVID-19 in the future?
Dr. Dan answer: We have seen tremendous progress in preventative health the past decade, and now we are seeing even more advances in the diagnostic space. We need to ensure this at home testing kit is accurate and reliable for the best results.
Dr. Dan question: Is the average American able to be trained on following directions for utilizing this diagnostic test to test for COVID-19?
Dr. Dan answer: This new testing kit includes a specific Q tip style cotton nasal swab for patients to use to collect their sample.
Dr. Dan question: Are we moving too fast with creating these diagnostic tests given the speed of COVID-19?
Dr. Dan answer: The benefits outweigh the risks right now and we are learning as we go with diagnostic testing because it takes a great deal of clinical validation to ensure a health provider is using an accurate and precise diagnostic test on their patients. Considering how fast COVID-19 has spread in a limited amount of time, it is important to be able to utilize our resources like diagnostic testing to help patients.
Dr. Dan question: What are some of the limitations of this at home COVID-19 diagnostic test?
Dr. Dan answer: Compliance is very important because at home patients need to correctly follow the diagnostic test guidelines on the use of the test in order to get the most accurate results. The goal is to avoid false positives/false negatives particularly if the test is not given in a compliant manner.
Dr. Dan question: In the future, do you predict Dr Dan we will see more at home diagnostic kits, and even kits for screening other diseases as well
Dr. Dan answer: As we advance in these diagnostic tests, more at home tests will become available especially if we see COVID-19 in the future. Technology in the diagnostic space is advancing and so is the importance of personalized and preventative medicine, so it’s important we find other screening diagnostic tests for other diseases as well.
Dr Dan question: Where may we get more information on you and articles you have written on COVID-19?
Dr. Dan answer: At DrDanMd.com or on Twitter @DrDanMd1
About Dr. Dan O’Brien:
Dr. Dan is a medical expert for ‘the here and now’ but he’s also a medical Futurist, with specialized knowledge in telemedicine, digital health, robotic technology, gene editing, augmented reality, software technology and A.I.
A physician and professor with a passion for innovative healthcare technologies and public health, Dr. Dan is a popular medical expert with appearances on national Talk Shows including on Fox Television.
Dr. Dan understands the need to improve quality of care, cost, and access in healthcare. As a Chief Medical Officer for multiple healthcare startups and an award-winning scientific and academic leader, Dr. Dan brings substantial experience in public health and healthcare management.
An award-winning scientific and academic leader, Dr. Dan has worked with several biotech and pharmaceutical companies on increasing awareness, education, and research in many diagnostic and therapeutic fields, including in the biotechnology industry.
Not only is Dr. Dan is a medical expert for the here and now, but he’s also a medical Futurist, with specialized knowledge in nanobots, remote surgery and medical apps with algorithms that can be used in early detection as well as using AI to project the likely spread of disease.
Dr. Dan has an extensive physician network including relationships with key opinion leaders around the world. He has completed his clinical rotations at Emory University in Atlanta, GA and also has completed a certificate of participation from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He has an MBA in healthcare management, and a B.A from the University of Notre Dame.
