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FACT BRIEF

Was the definition of what constitutes a positive COVID-19 test changed just to include the omicron variant?

By Ed Payne
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NO

A social media post says the "definition of what constitutes a positive test" has changed, meaning "millions of new 'Covid' cases will be found" by including cases with the omicron variant.

While the variant can pose a challenge for one of the approved tests used to confirm the COVID-19 virus, the post's contention that the COVID-19 testing definition was changed to include omicron is not true.

It is true that one of the approved tests sometimes fails to detect one of three key genes on the spike protein for the omicron variant, and all three must be detected for it to qualify as a positive COVID-19 test. If two of the three genes are detected, the CDC recommends gene sequencing to confirm the COVID-19 virus.

The testing definition has not changed.

See a full discussion of this at Lead Stories
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control Science Brief: Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant
World Health Organization Enhancing Readiness for Omicron (B.1.1.529): Technical Brief and Priority Actions for Member States
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Lead Stories
Lead Stories is a fact checking and debunking website at the intersection of big data and journalism that launched in 2015. It scouts for trending stories, images, videos and posts that contain false information in order to fact check them as quickly as possible. It actively monitors the fake-news ecosystem and doesn’t wait for reader tips or reports before getting started on a story.
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About fact briefs published on Gigafact
Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.