NIJZ data show one in three positive rapid tests false

Ljubljana – Data from the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) obtained by Radio Slovenija and the web portal Necenzurirano show that one out of three positive rapid antigen tests have been proved false through the more reliable PCR tests since 13 February.

Since 13 February all those who test positive for coronavirus in screening with rapid tests are tested again with PCR tests. The infections are not added to the official case count until confirmed with a PCR lab test.

The media that have obtained NIJZ data report that almost 4,500 positive rapid test cases had been double-checked with PCR tests from 13 February and 4 March with the latter tests returning negative results in one third of the cases.

Radio Slovenija quoted NIJZ as saying that the data quality depended mainly of testing providers.

Rapid antigen tests have been used in mass coronavirus testing since late December. Regular weekly testing is required for teachers and employees in direct contact with customers in retail and services, as well as for skiers using ski lifts, among others.

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