COVID-19 Rapid Test Posts Disappointing Results Among Asymptomatic Individuals

A University of Arizona study found that a rapid COVID-19 test produced accurate results only 32% of the time when used on asymptomatic subjects. However, when used on symptomatic people, the rapid test was more than 80% effective in its ability to detect novel coronavirus infections. Study authors note that the low rate of efficacy among asymptomatic individuals may be due to the fact that they carry low levels of the virus, making detection by a rapid test unlikely. A lab-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, however, is more successful at accurate diagnosis, even with very low levels of the novel coronavirus present. Public health officials continue to recommend PCR tests for individuals exhibiting symptoms and those with known exposure. Read more here.