Thread on miscommunication regarding SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing

False-positives by PCR testing are quite rare. It is the gold standard as it is sensitive enough to identify the virus during early and late-infection, as well as at peak viral loads. (1/6)

Some may claim that PCR turnaround time renders the test useless, and I couldn't disagree more. The disease state of COVID-19 can last for a long time, and the PCR test can verify that the patient has the virus even when it's at very low levels at the tail-end of infection. (2/6)

Additionally the PCR test can be used for contact tracing for individuals who came into contact with an infected patient, and are not yet symptomatic. Again, it is sensitive enough to identify SARS-CoV-2 RNA at early and late stages of infection. (3/6)

Arguing that turnaround time makes it meaningless is a) demonstrably incorrect and b) misses the larger point that SARS-CoV-2 spread is simply out of control. That is not a problem with the test, or those who conduct it; that is a virus-spread problem. (4/6)

A less sensitive, but more rapid turnaround test does not change the fact that virus spread is out of control. This is a society problem of not complying with public health measures like a) wearing masks, b) avoiding crowds & poorly ventilated areas, and c) proper hygiene. (5/6)

So are rapid tests bad? Of course not. It is another tool at our disposal to find active cases. That's a good thing!

But the "false positives" and "you might not be infectious any longer" takes on PCR testing need to stop. They're not helping. They're adding to confusion. (6/6)