Communities have been struggling to cope with the effects of COVID-19. Lack in testing has been a major roadblock. However, with the progress now the concern that has grabbed attention is the testing accuracy. This is because it tests antibodies which are designed to test prior infection. We will look at the challenge and implications of false-negative COVID-19 testing.
Challenges with COVID-19 diagnostic testing In general, the antibody tests for prior infection while the molecular testing method tests for the active infection. The two main issues related to COVID-19 testing is; first, who gets tested. At first, the availability of testing kits was limited d thus there were restrictions on who got tested. Us, the person was asked to meet a certain criterion. In turn, the asymptomatic person who is the major spreader of the virus were not being tested. Now with the availability of kits, a greater number of people are tested thus there are higher incidences of COVID -19 than were previously reported. We need to understand how well the diagnosis method is ruled out which leads us to the second problem of testing itself. There is already growing concerned around the testing of the virus as people suggest that the test is not reliable. The testing samples are coming back positive for a few people who are not suffering from the virus. A false-positive result can mean a lot these days when a person has to be isolated for 14 days. Thus, an asymptomatic person will be quarantined and then he might have chances of catching the virus. Also, when people test negative for COVID-19 they simply go back to their routine where no social distancing is followed, they do not wear a mask and an imperfect living style is followed. It is also important to note that the presence of viral RNA does not mean that the virus is transmissible. The duration of virus shedding dropped is considered 20 days as of now. However, the genetics of dead virus can be present in the body and thus the cells can be detected. Also, a challenge is to find the asymptotic people who are the carrier of the virus. There are several express testing laboratories NZ services now operating which can help you arrive on better result quickly and you may get a few tests for surety. The need is to isolate these individuals so that they do not further spread the virus.
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