copenlu/druid huggingface dataset:
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2020-04-21): Clinicians and patients always want to know they can trust the accuracy of lab test results. This has never been more true than it is now, given the attention on COVID-19 testing and its role in helping to halt the spread of COVID-19. This article explains what we know so far about both nucleic acid tests and antibody detection tests for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and what factors can affect the reliability of an individual test result. As with all lab tests, a number of factors determine the accuracy of a COVID-19 test result. These include not only the instrument and chemical reagents used to perform the test, but also the timing and quality of specimen collection and the biology of the individual patient. [...] There are two main types of tests for COVID-19. The first detects viral RNA using molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). You can read more about this test in ARUP Consult’s COVID-19 topic. These tests are highly specific because they are based on the unique genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2. If a test comes back positive, you can be confident that there was SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in the specimen collected from the patient. However, the sensitivity of these tests varies based on both the timing and the way the sample is collected.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2022-04-06): Tests that detect current infections with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, are known as viral tests. There are two types: a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, or NAAT, and an antigen test. [...] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says NAATs "are unlikely to return a false-negative result of SARS-CoV-2," and it recommends laboratory-based NAATS, the most sensitive tests, to confirm infection. An antigen test is designed to detect a SARS-CoV-2 protein, typically the nucleocapsid protein. Also conducted via a nasal or throat swab, antigen tests are less sensitive than NAATs but inexpensive and can usually produce results in about 15 minutes. Getting a result from a laboratory-based NAAT test can take hours or even a few days.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2020-09-03): There are three main types of tests for COVID-19 – two are diagnostic (PCR and antigen tests), and one looks for protective antibodies from a previous infection (antibody or serologic tests). [...] Pros: Considered the gold standard for COVID-19, PCR tests are the most accurate form available today. We use PCR tests at nearly all UT Southwestern facilities and to verify whether patients are COVID-free prior to surgery. [...] Cons: The results are less sensitive for COVID-19 and therefore have a higher false negative rate (you may test negative but actually have the virus). The test is very specific, so if it is positive, you have COVID-19. Because of this, antigen testing can be used for rapid screening and can be confirmed by a PCR test if necessary.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2020-06-27): The article is inaccurate — polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are among the most common and reliable ways to test for the coronavirus. Similar claims have circulated, and have been fact-checked, since March. There are three main coronavirus tests: diagnostic, antibody and antigen. Diagnostic tests, also known as PCR tests, look for the genetic material of the coronavirus in a sample that’s typically taken from a person’s nose or throat. Health care providers and public health officials use them to confirm whether someone has the disease. [...] Science Feedback, "PCR tests for COVID-19 are specific for the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and do not detect other coronaviruses, contrary to claims in viral article and video," April 6, 2020
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2022-07-22): We wanted to know whether commercially available, rapid point-of-care antigen tests are accurate enough to diagnose COVID-19 infection reliably, and to find out if accuracy differs in people with and without symptoms. [...] Antigen tests vary in sensitivity. In people with signs and symptoms of COVID-19, sensitivities are highest in the first week of illness when viral loads are higher. Assays that meet appropriate performance standards, such as those set by WHO, could replace laboratory-based RT-PCR when immediate decisions about patient care must be made, or where RT-PCR cannot be delivered in a timely manner. However, they are more suitable for use as triage to RT-PCR testing. The variable sensitivity of antigen tests means that people who test negative may still be infected. Many commercially available rapid antigen tests have not been evaluated in independent validation studies. [...] Accurate rapid diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection would be a useful tool to help manage the COVID-19 pandemic. Testing strategies that use rapid antigen tests to detect current infection have the potential to increase access to testing, speed detection of infection, and inform clinical and public health management decisions to reduce transmission. This is the second update of this review, which was first published in 2020.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2024-01-23): JN.1, the now-dominant variant that accounts for nearly 86% of all circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains, may take longer to show a positive result on home antigen tests. [...] In March 2020, everyone was naive immunologically, he said, and "it took some time for the body to recognize the virus." Now, just a bit of virus may trigger an alarm by the immune system, with symptoms showing up quickly. These days, he said, "you may now feel sick at day zero instead of day 5." However, when you test within the first few days, there may not be a very high level of virus, so the home test, less accurate than the less-available PCR tests, probably won’t be positive. [...] For that reason, the sensitivity of home tests would be expected to be highest around the fourth day of symptoms, she said, although many people with symptoms might test positive earlier.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2021-12-03): It is important to note that, depending on the situation, antigen tests can be less accurate than PCR tests. For example, when a person is in the early stages of infection, not a lot of the virus is in the nose and throat where samples are taken. This can cause antigen tests to miss early cases of COVID-19. It is also during this stage that a person has no symptoms, so they are more likely to be unaware they are infected. [...] Now that at-home COVID-19 tests have become more readily available on store shelves, it is important that they are performed properly, explained Dr. Koepsell. "Whether it’s testing for the genomic material or looking for the antigen of the virus, both involve typically putting a swab up your nose. [...] Table of Contents - COVID-19 testing remains important - There are many reasons to get tested - Genomic tests are sensitive - Antigen tests are quick - At-home tests must be done correctly - Effectiveness of tests varies - False negatives can happen - It's a snapshot in time - Antibody tests don’t mean protection - Tests determined need for more doses - Tests change with emerging variants
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2021-01-05): Start here: There are tests that diagnose current infection and tests that show whether you previously had SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. [...] Because this novel coronavirus is indeed novel, and COVID-19 is a new disease, information about available tests is incomplete and testing options keep changing. Tests vary in terms of accuracy, cost, recommended use for people of various ages, and convenience. This blog post reviews features of the major types of tests. For more detailed information on individual tests, check the FDA's updated list of authorized tests, which has links to the test makers' websites. [...] An antibody test can show if you have previously been infected with the COVID-19 virus.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2021-07-19): There are a variety of tests that can detect COVID-19. Viral tests, like molecular and antigen tests, can detect a current infection. Meanwhile, antibody tests can determine if you’ve previously contracted the novel coronavirus. [...] A variety of COVID-19 home testing options are now available, including molecular, antigen, and antibody tests. There are two different types of home COVID-19 testing: [...] There are a few different tests for COVID-19. These include viral tests and antibody tests.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2020-11-19): Currently, the standard test for COVID-19 is usually the RT-PCR test. In the RT-PCR, samples from the nose and throat are sent away for testing, usually to a large, central laboratory with specialist equipment. Other tests include imaging tests, like X-rays, which also require specialist equipment. [...] Routine laboratory tests cannot distinguish between COVID-19 and other diseases as the cause of infection, inflammation or tissue damage. None of the tests performed well enough to be a standalone diagnostic test for COVID-19 nor to prioritize patients for treatment. They will mainly be used to provide an overall picture about the health status of the patient. The final COVID-19 diagnosis has to be made based on other tests. None of these markers as stand‐alone tests are useful for accurately ruling in or ruling out COVID‐19. As a triage test would require a high sensitivity (< 80%), these tests have limited value as triage tests. Although there is low or very low certainty about the summary estimates in this review, we do not expect that studies with a low risk of bias will show a better performance than the tests included.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2020-12-04): There are two types of rapid COVID-19 tests that detect the coronavirus. One type is a sped-up, smaller version of the PCR tests. It’s also molecular-based, so it’s looking for genetic material from the virus in the mucus and infected cells in the sample from the patient. The sample is collected by inserting a cotton swab up the nose or running it along the inside of the cheek. The collected material is then added to a tube of fluid, and that’s what we’re testing in the lab. [...] Are rapid COVID-19 tests reliable? [...] The rapid, molecular-style tests can be reliable if a quality specimen is used and if the testing is conducted by properly trained individuals who are performing the test as intended by the manufacturer. This is the exact standard that we provide in the clinical laboratories at MD Anderson. With a sophisticated setup like ours, we’re able to detect the genetic material of the coronavirus, even when there’s only a small amount in the sample.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2024-10-04): What to know - COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others. Viral tests look for a current infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, by testing specimens from your nose or mouth. [...] Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), including PCR tests, are more likely to detect the virus than antigen tests. NAATs tests are the "gold standard" for COVID-19 tests.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2024-08-07): The nose swab PCR test for COVID-19 is an accurate and reliable test for diagnosing COVID-19. A positive test means you likely have COVID-19. A negative test means you probably did not have COVID-19 at the time of the test. Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. [...] The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 is a molecular test that analyzes your upper respiratory specimen, looking for genetic material (ribonucleic acid or RNA) of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Scientists use the PCR technology to amplify small amounts of RNA from specimens into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is replicated until SARS-CoV-2 is detectable if present. The PCR test has been the gold standard test for diagnosing COVID-19 since authorized for use in February 2020. It’s accurate and reliable. [...] There are two types of tests for COVID-19: the PCR test and the antigen test.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2014-04-08): COVID-19 is still around and poses a threat to the health of New Yorkers. COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccination are available for New Yorkers. Options are available for people regardless of immigration status or insurance. [...] The NYC Health Department offers free PCR testing at our COVID-19 Express Testing locations. Private insurance may no longer reimburse you when you purchase at-home test kits. [...] - Variants Data: Testing and spread in NYC of variants of the virus that causes COVID-19.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2023-03-18): - If you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, self-isolate until you recover. [...] - Wear a mask (see above for more details). [...] - If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Call by telephone first and follow the directions of your local health authority.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2022-01-20): Health care providers typically rely on molecular tests, particularly when people have COVID-19 symptoms, whereas antigen testing is often used when quick results are needed or for general screening and surveillance. [...] The first test created to detect COVID—and still the most widely used—is a molecular test called PCR (polymerase chain reaction), Dr. Campbell says. "PCR and similar tests look for the COVID virus’s RNA," meaning genetic material that comes only from the virus, he explains. "They tend to be quite sensitive, but even among these, they are on a continuum of sensitivity and vary a whole lot." [...] Since the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu are similar, it’s helpful to know there are molecular tests you can have that detect each virus using a single sample. In fact, there are even tests that diagnose COVID-19, flu, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), a virus that causes common cold symptoms, at once.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2020-08-03): The virus that causes COVID-19 is in a family of viruses called Coronaviridae. Antibiotics do not work against viruses. [...] There is currently no licensed medication to cure COVID-19. If you have symptoms, call your health care provider or COVID-19 hotline for assistance. [...] To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2022-11-08): - How the employee can obtain testing for COVID-19, such as through the employer's workplace-based testing program; through the local health department, a health plan, or the federal government; or at a community testing site. [...] A: To comply with the testing requirements of the ETS, an over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 test may be both self-administered and self-read if verification of the results, such as a time and date stamped photograph of the result or an OTC test that uses digital reporting with time and date stamped results, is provided. - Q: Does the employer have to provide testing to employees at their work location? [...] A: Tests approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or that have an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA to diagnose current infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus may be used. These include both PCR and antigen tests. The test must be administered in accordance with the FDA approval or FDA EUA, as applicable. - Q: In a non-outbreak setting, how does an employer determine which employees may have had close contact with a COVID-19 case?
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2024-08-29): Support your workers by giving them paid time off when they are sick. Offer them a COVID-19 screening test, or encourage them to test on their own. Individuals can order free COVID-19 tests. People who are infected with COVID-19 need to isolate for a minimum of 24 hours. [...] - Take action if exposed. Wear a mask for five days, and take a COVID-19 test on day five. [...] According to the CDC, the virus that causes COVID-19 can land on surfaces. It is possible for people to become infected if they touch those surfaces and then touch their nose, mouth, or eyes. In most situations, the risk of infection from touching a surface is low. The most reliable way to prevent infection from surfaces is to regularly wash hands or use hand sanitizer.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2004-02-01): - I was out on FMLA leave unrelated to COVID-19. While I was out, my company implemented a new policy requiring everyone to take a COVID-19 test before they come to the office. Under the FMLA, can my employer require me to get a COVID-19 test under this policy? [...] 14. I was out on FMLA leave unrelated to COVID-19. While I was out, my company implemented a new policy requiring everyone to take a COVID-19 test before they come to the office. Under the FMLA, can my employer require me to get a COVID-19 test under this policy?
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2020-12-24): - Be careful! Scammers are selling fake and unauthorized at-home COVID-19 test kits in exchange for your personal or medical information. Make sure to purchase FDA approved COVID-19 test kits from legitimate providers. [...] - Fraudsters are also continuing to offer COVID-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information. However, the services are unapproved and illegitimate. - In another fraud scheme, some medical labs are targeting retirement communities claiming to offer COVID-19 tests, but they are actually drawing blood and billing federal health care programs for medically unnecessary services.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2023-09-28): This page provides information about tests authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the identification and differentiation of specific SARS-CoV-2 mutations and lineages as well as the impact of viral mutations on COVID-19 tests. Recommendations for clinical laboratory staff and health care providers and information about certain tests for which the FDA has identified potential impacts on performance due to SARS-CoV-2 genetic mutations are also included on this page. The FDA will update this page when significant new information becomes available, including when the FDA's analyses identify tests for which performance may be impacted for known SARS-CoV-2 variants. [...] Clinical laboratory staff and health care providers should be aware that COVID-19 diagnostic tests are generally designed to detect all known variants. However, they are typically not able to identify the specific type of SARS-CoV-2 variant (such as delta or omicron) present in a patient sample. The FDA continues to conduct analyses to identify tests for which performance may be impacted for known SARS-CoV-2 variants. [...] - Test Name (Link to EUA): DTPM COVID-19 RT-PCR test - Manufacturer: Tide Laboratories, LLC - The FDA's Analysis:This test is now expected to detect the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant (B.1.1.529). The original test was a single target test that was expected to fail to detect the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant (B.1.1.529) due to a nine-nucleotide deletion in the N-gene, spanning positions 28370-28362, which is within the portion of the N-gene that the single target covered. The test has been modified and is now a multiplex test with an added reverse primer to detect the omicron variant.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2023-07-09): There are different types of COVID-19 tests – diagnostic tests and antibody tests. Diagnostic tests can show if you currently are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. There are two common types of COVID-19 diagnostic tests: [...] If you think you need a COVID-19 diagnostic test, you can find a community testing site in your state. You can also use an FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 diagnostic test which gives you the option of self-testing where it is convenient for you. Be sure to check the At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests website for information on expiration dates, who can use the test, and other details that may help you decide what test is right for you. Be aware that COVID-19 diagnostic tests are authorized for specific uses and that laboratory-based molecular COVID-19 tests, are generally more accurate than at-home tests.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2024-09-20): Molecular tests. These tests look for genetic material from the COVID-19 virus. [...] PCR tests are more accurate than the other type of COVID-19 test, called an antigen test. PCR tests may be done at home. But they are much more likely to be done by a healthcare professional and processed in a lab. [...] Antigen tests are reliable and accurate, but they are less accurate than PCR tests. This is especially true if you don't have symptoms. If you take an antigen test and are negative for COVID-19, take another antigen test after 48 hours to get the most accurate result.
Claim: There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus (Jerry Day, Julian Rose, 2020-03-27)
Evidence (2024-09-27): Yes. COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA meet rigorous testing criteria and are safe and effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death. Millions of people have received the vaccines, and the CDC continues to monitor their safety and effectiveness as well as rare adverse events.