Reasons why some people tests negative even after multiple testing
Even though the coronavirus cases are not burgeoning like they were during the Delta and Omicron waves, the pandemic is still far from over. Every day thousands of people are testing positive for infectious diseases. If you will pay attention you will always find someone in your vicinity down with a contagious disease. Then comes cases where the person may have symptoms or have been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2, yet somehow he or she tests negative for COVID. This situation is quite tricky and may also put others' lives in danger as it is hard to say if they really dodged infection causing virus or if the test result was false. Here are some reasons why it may happen:
False testing is possible
The major cause of negative results in the case of coronavirus infection is false testing. The RT-PCR test which is considered a gold standard for detecting the presence of the coronavirus in the body may show incorrect information due to several factors. Even if the patient's CT scan or blood test reports confirm the presence of the virus, the RT-PCR test may not verify the same. It may happen that the sample from the patient has not been collected properly. The RT-PCR test has a sensitivity of only 60 per cent and the result can be accurate only if the person has been swabbed correctly.
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The viral load may be less
Low viral load is another factor that may show negative testing. The real time-PCR assay measures the viral RNA in terms of cycle threshold (Ct). It refers to the number of cycles the fluorescent signal requires to become detectable and is inversely proportional to the viral load. The final result is based on the Ct values and values <40 are generally considered positive. So, if the viral load is low, the RT-PCR test may show a negative result, even though the person is showing all the symptoms of coronavirus infection. In such cases, based on the clinical symptoms, doctors rely on a comprehensive analysis of other laboratory tests and X-ray findings.
RAT test kit
Why is it concerning?
Getting a false-negative result can put your as well as others lives in danger. Not getting the treatment based on the finding of the report may increase the risk of severe symptoms and hospitalisation. One may also pass on the virus to others around them. At a time when the world is reeling under the pressure of coronavirus infection, false diagnoses can complicate the matter.
What should you do?
If you have come in contact with anyone diagnosed with coronavirus or have developed any serious symptoms, isolate yourself immediately. If the RT-PCR test result is negative, consult your doctor and go for other lab and blood tests to confirm the presence of the virus in the body. Getting the right treatment early is the best way to cut down the risk of complications and recover faster.