How reliable are covidSHIELD test results?
In a recent study, the saliva test was shown to have a specificity of 98.9% and a sensitivity of 95.8%. The FDA-authorized covidSHIELD test targets three highly conserved regions of the viral genome for detection. High specificity offered by three-target detection, combined with frequent testing makes the SHIELD saliva-based test extremely accurate and one of the best tests available.
Sensitivity and specificity are measures of a test's ability to correctly classify a person as having a disease or not having a disease.
- Sensitivity refers to a test's ability to designate an individual with
disease as positive. A highly sensitive test means that there are few
false negative results, and thus fewer cases of disease are missed.
- The
specificity of a test is its ability to designate an individual who does
not have a disease as negative. A highly specific test means that there
are few false positive results.
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