A corona quick test – used daily by Trump and publicly advertised – promises quick results. However, several studies suggest that the test results are unreliable. The manufacturer’s denial follows promptly.
In a Corona rapid test used in the White House, among others, in the USA, there are increasing doubts about the reliability. The US drug regulator FDA warned that the test system manufactured by the Abbott healthcare group may deliver incorrect results. The FDA referred to several studies. Abbott had only received FDA emergency approval for the test in March. US President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and top employees are currently being tested daily for the Corona virus infection using the rapid test.
According to a study by the NYU Lagone Health research center, 48 percent of the negative test results were unreliable if the swab used for the smear was dry – a dry swab is recommended by Abbott. If the stick was stored in liquid, about a third of the negative results were incorrect. So far, the study has only been published provisionally. It has yet to be cross-checked by other researchers.
The system called “ID Now” is said to be able to detect an infection with Sars-CoV-2 with material from nasal swabs and to deliver results in several minutes. The FDA expressed concern that incorrect results may be more common: infected individuals may receive a negative test result. They then think they are healthy and can unknowingly infect other people as a result. The reliability of the test, if it gives a positive result, is not in doubt. The FDA is also still in the review phase and is in direct contact with Abbott.
The company said it is currently looking into ways to improve the accuracy of the results. It pointed out that users had previously reported a very low error rate. In addition, the device was not used properly in some studies. Errors in handling, storage and transportation of the system could affect the result.
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