• fmstrat@lemmy.nowsci.com
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    27
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    11 months ago

    PSA - Rapid tests from the pharmacy are highly accurate at proving a positive, they are very inaccurate at proving a negative.

    Meaning if it’s positive, you’re positive. If it’s negative, you may still be positive.

    When in doubt, get a PCR test.

    • BlanketsWithSmallpox@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      7
      ·
      11 months ago

      I’ve also never, never seen someone test positive on the first day of symptoms. Sometimes on the second, but almost always on the third.

      The CDC bitching out to corporations by saying test on the first day so people can keep going to work sick is still insanity. I really wish they allowed people to throat swab since it’s supposed to be more effective, but I’m sure they’re worried about our litigious culture saying we’re trying to choke Republicans to death with microchips.