Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021
Was the definition of what constitutes a positive COVID-19 test changed just to include the omicron variant?
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.
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
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