False-Negative Results of Initial RT-PCR Assays for COVID-19
Author(s): Risha Patel and Guddi Laishram*
Abstract
A new virus SARS-COV-2 was discovered in a group of cases of pneumonia in, China on December 2019. Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR) technique that successfully amplifies the etiological agent from Oro-pharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swabs helps us for the identification of many infected people. Many people with COVID-19 symptoms have been testing negative due to several reasons.
An individual who is suspected for having infection and an initial negative result by RT-PCR test, with subsequent test positive is defined as a case of false negative corona virus or severe acute respiratory syndrome.
Results which are false negative have ramifications for accurate diagnosis as well as future transmission in community, as well as control activities, during emergence and in following transmission waves.
People who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 but have tested negative for the virus are ignorant of their status of infection and could create a wrong feeling of safety based on the results of the test, putting them at danger of the virus spreading further. This would result in a situation where local epidemics are perpetuated, putting individuals having high risk of a severe viral infection.
There are number of causes which can result in false negative results of RT-PCR test which are being discussed below. Not only the causes but also newer techniques how to minimize the false negative rates are discussed along with proper management for the reduction of the same by proper techniques are mentioned below in this review article.