False Negative COVID test?

[Christine]

Did you hear the Ohio Governor tested positive....then tested negative twice later. So much for trusting these tests.

My coworker who "studies" these things said that DeWine first had the rapid test (non-PCR) which comes back in 15 minutes. Those are less reliable and that was the test that was positive. he then followed up with two of the regular PCR tests and that's where his negatives were. Don't know if that's true for sure, but something he read and we were just discussing.

 

[HeatherC]

My coworker who "studies" these things said that DeWine first had the rapid test (non-PCR) which comes back in 15 minutes. Those are less reliable and that was the test that was positive. he then followed up with two of the regular PCR tests and that's where his negatives were. Don't know if that's true for sure, but something he read and we were just discussing.

I did read this on CNN. It just makes me think we really have no idea overall of what this virus is doing because it is very hard to trust the accuracy of the tests. If we are using these rapid tests to decide whether people need to quarantine or are allowed to go to school or work, etc., then we have a big problem on our hands. Maybe we shouldn’t use them until the accuracy is improved upon.

 

[JaxDad]

My son had a rapid flu test early this year. I recall the caregiver saying it had a sensitivity ranging from 50-70%. I can't imagine the COVID rapid testing is any better.

I've also wondered how much the tests themselves vary in sensitivity, based on where they're manufactured. Is a test manufactured in CA the same as one in AL? Is one manufactured in China the same as one in Italy? I'm sure they strive to be uniform and consistent, but impurities happen.

 

[happily single]

@happily single - How are you feeling?

Thanks for asking.
Day 24 and I’m no better. I’ve seen my PCP and then an ENT. the ENT did a scope and saw nothing so he gave me a script for a second COVID test. He confirmed he has seen a good amount of false negatives. He also is requesting authorization from my insurance for a ct scan of the neck.

I am R.I. and waited 7-8 days for my first test results. The ENT wrote the script as a pre-op testing. When I got to the lab they needed to know the day of surgery (which I didn’t have) so they wouldn’t do the testing.

Meanwhile I contacted my PCP and requested a Mono test. She ordered a bunch of tests. Mono was negative, but thankfully a bunch of other things came out high and a bunch more came out low. I say thankfully because I was beginning to think I was imagining all this.

I had repeat bloodwork yesterday to see if the numbers have changed. My PCP is also sending me to an infectious disease doctor and a hematologist. Lastly she is adding a chest and abdomen ct scan to what the ENT ordered.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I did read this on CNN. It just makes me think we really have no idea overall of what this virus is doing because it is very hard to trust the accuracy of the tests. If we are using these rapid tests to decide whether people need to quarantine or are allowed to go to school or work, etc., then we have a big problem on our hands. Maybe we shouldn’t use them until the accuracy is improved upon.

That's why I hope the saliva tests get pushed out more. It may not be as rapid as 15mins but if they are more reliable and more sensitive AND no pain I'd take it. I mentioned on the school thread that all students and faculty at my alma mater are being tested prior to starting school and they will be using the saliva tests.

 

[disneychrista]

Did you hear the Ohio Governor tested positive....then tested negative twice later. So much for trusting these tests.

If he was doing the Abbot rapid testing it has a high rate of false positive for people with no symptoms. It should only be used for symptomatic people.

 

[mjkacmom]

That is WHY I asked if the testing was all that fast. A lot of states are having HUGE delays in getting test results.

We are at day 16 for my daughter.

 

[mom2rtk]

We are at day 16 for my daughter.

My friends husband’s test 15 days a couple weeks ago. That renders it practically useless.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

False negative results are definitely possible.

Just yesterday actress Alyssa Milano did an instagram post with her story. She tested negative several times but was very sick for several weeks with allot of the covid symptoms. She is better now but is still dealing with many lingering affects.

Her Dr finally suggested an antibody test - which came back positive for covid19 antibodies.

 

[happily single]

False negative results are definitely possible.

Just yesterday actress Alyssa Milano did an instagram post with her story. She tested negative several times but was very sick for several weeks with allot of the covid symptoms. She is better now but is still dealing with many lingering affects.

Her Dr finally suggested an antibody test - which came back positive for covid19 antibodies.

Her case was very confusing to me. I totally understand the testing negative so many times. But there is a picture in People magazine showing her “hooked up to a ventilatior” but she is sitting up. Am I wrong to think you can’t sit up while on a vent?

i also read the story this week of Peter Thomas (Real Housewives of Atlanta). He tested negative 5-6x before testing positive.
crazy times!

 

[ReneeA]

Her case was very confusing to me. I totally understand the testing negative so many times. But there is a picture in People magazine showing her “hooked up to a ventilatior” but she is sitting up. Am I wrong to think you can’t sit up while on a vent?

i also read the story this week of Peter Thomas (Real Housewives of Atlanta). He tested negative 5-6x before testing positive.
crazy times!

That wasn't a ventilator. Looks like a non-rebreather mask to me.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Thanks for asking.
Day 24 and I’m no better. I’ve seen my PCP and then an ENT. the ENT did a scope and saw nothing so he gave me a script for a second COVID test. He confirmed he has seen a good amount of false negatives. He also is requesting authorization from my insurance for a ct scan of the neck.

I am R.I. and waited 7-8 days for my first test results. The ENT wrote the script as a pre-op testing. When I got to the lab they needed to know the day of surgery (which I didn’t have) so they wouldn’t do the testing.

Meanwhile I contacted my PCP and requested a Mono test. She ordered a bunch of tests. Mono was negative, but thankfully a bunch of other things came out high and a bunch more came out low. I say thankfully because I was beginning to think I was imagining all this.

I had repeat bloodwork yesterday to see if the numbers have changed. My PCP is also sending me to an infectious disease doctor and a hematologist. Lastly she is adding a chest and abdomen ct scan to what the ENT ordered.

At least they haven't given up on you. I hope you get some answers, soon.

 

[disneychrista]

False negative results are definitely possible.

Her Dr finally suggested an antibody test - which came back positive for covid19 antibodies.

Just as false negatives are a thing with active virus, antibody testing can have a false positive. I haven’t followed her story to know enough if either or both results could be false. If you have symptoms (aka you are sick) stay home is the best advice anyone can give right now. Test results are taking so long here most are outside of the contiguous period (10 days) before they get the results.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

We've had false positives around here, at least assuming that's what it was. An owner and employees tested before returning to work and they ALL got positives! Thinking that didn't make sense since they are all unrelated, they went to a different site the next day to test again and this time ALL negative.

And did you know that if you are sick and you have to be tested numerous times to see if you are negative that each test that comes back positive counts as one person. This boggles my mind. I know I said this before but it is so wrong. So you get covid, you test positive, you test again and you test positive, and again before you get a negative. Guess what ? You are counted as three people. This from my bil who is VP of a hospital. I predict this will go away in November. And because I am psychic I can predict the date November 4.

 

[HeatherC]

And did you know that if you are sick and you have to be tested numerous times to see if you are negative that each test that comes back positive counts as one person. This boggles my mind. I know I said this before but it is so wrong. So you get covid, you test positive, you test again and you test positive, and again before you get a negative. Guess what ? You are counted as three people. This from my bil who is VP of a hospital. I predict this will go away in November. And because I am psychic I can predict the date November 4.

I believe this depends on which state you are in and how they are counting numbers. Not all the states are doing this.

 

[tvguy]

I can understand a false positive. But the issue with isolating a false negative is, how do you know it is a false negative, or whether the person was exposed after the test? The test or re-test doesn't tell you how long ago it was you were exposed

 

[lifesavacation]

If someone tests negative, when should they be allowed back at work? Is 72 hours without symptoms enough time?

 

[disneychrista]

If someone tests negative, when should they be allowed back at work? Is 72 hours without symptoms enough time?

First off how do you know the test was a false negative? Is/was the person with the false negative symptomatic? After 10 days from on set of symptoms with no fever for 72 hours and symptoms improving is considered "recovered" and the person can return to work.

If they were positive & asymptomatic it is 10 days from the date of the test.

Edited because I miss read the question as false negative.