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This fact brief was originally published as an experiment to test the concepts behind fact briefs.

Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of useful information in fact briefs like this one, not all of them reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.

FACT BRIEF

Are all PCR COVID-19 tests being taken off the market?

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

By Lisa Freedland

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Only a few of the many PCR COVID-19 tests, which are used to detect whether people are carrying the coronavirus that causes the disease, have been taken off the market. Quidel is one such company that had its COVID-19 PCR tests recalled in July 2021 after it was found that patients with high amounts of the coronavirus were testing negative for COVID-19 with its tests due to faulty instruments.

Despite this, as Reuters reports, there is no evidence that all PCR tests are being taken off the market or that COVID-19 cases were "falsified."

Companies making the alternative COVID-19 antigen tests have been experiencing more recalls. While antigen tests produce results more quickly, PCR tests are more accurate. Both Innova and Ellume, COVID-19 antigen test-making companies, had their tests recalled by the FDA due to the risk of false results.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

Food and Drug Administration Quidel Recalls Lyra SARS-CoV-2 Assay (M120) Due to Risk of False Negative Results

Food and Drug Administration Innova Medical Group Recalls Unauthorized SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Qualitative Test with Risk of False Test Results

Food and Drug Administration Potential for False Positive Results with Certain Lots of Ellume COVID-19 Home Tests Due to a Manufacturing Issue: FDA Safety Communication

Kansas Department of Health and Environment Two major types of tests are available for COVID-19: PCR and Antigen

Reuters Fact Check-FDA did not recall all COVID-19 PCR tests

The Conversation What’s the difference between a PCR and antigen COVID-19 test? A molecular biologist explains

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Gigafact

Between 2020 and 2022, under close editorial supervision, Gigafact contracted a group of freelance writers and editors to test the concepts for fact briefs and provide inputs to our software development process. We call this effort Gigafact Foundry. Over the course of these two years, Gigafact Foundry writers published over 1500 fact briefs in response to claims they found online. Their important work forms the basis of Gigafact formats and editorial guidelines, and is available to the public on Gigafact.org. Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of relevant information to be found, not all fact briefs produced by Gigafact Foundry reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date and need to be looked at with fresh eyes, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.

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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.