How reliable are covidSHIELD test results?

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.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.