Detect Inc. Recalls COVID-19 Test Due to Concerns about High Risk of False Negatives
Thousands of COVID-19 test kits manufactured by Detect Inc. were recalled due to an increased chance of false negatives. Specifically, the company is calling back three production lots: HB264, HY263, and HY264. You can locate the lot numbers on the test kit’s external packaging. In total, over 11,000 tests kits shipped between July 26 and August 26 are effected by the recall. Tests coming from these lots are more likely than others to show a negative result when in fact the person is infected with the virus. Consumers who purchases these faulty kits are eligible for a full refund.
Even non-faulty rapid at-home tests miss a significant percentage of COVID-19 infections. They are still a useful tool, but you should always test multiple times, one day apart. A University of Massachusetts research team found that taking two rapid at-home tests 24-36 hours apart detected COVID-19 over 80% of the time. A single test many missed many more infections.
Full Story: The Hill, UMass Medical School, USA Today