Izzy
Senior Insider
False positives with PCR testing pose a potential problem. NPR, using a Santa Fe favorite (minus the frites) explains:
What Mussels Can Teach Us About False Positive COVID-19 Tests
The above linked NPR discussion and its basis (a paper that is pre-print at present) suggest that up to 2% - 3% of negative samples test positive in real world clinical practice.
An unfortunate trip cancellation or an island quarantine would be among the many ramifications of a false positive result.
A strategy of doing a second test to verify a positive result would be undermined by the studies that have documented the more common problem of false negative results and the known lag between testing positive and developing symptoms...
What Mussels Can Teach Us About False Positive COVID-19 Tests
The above linked NPR discussion and its basis (a paper that is pre-print at present) suggest that up to 2% - 3% of negative samples test positive in real world clinical practice.
An unfortunate trip cancellation or an island quarantine would be among the many ramifications of a false positive result.
A strategy of doing a second test to verify a positive result would be undermined by the studies that have documented the more common problem of false negative results and the known lag between testing positive and developing symptoms...