Is this a pooled sample test?
No. SHIELD Illinois does not perform the covidSHIELD test on pooled specimens. Each specimen is tested individually from beginning to end. Upon analysis, SHIELD Illinois found that there was little to no economic or resource benefit to performing the test on pooled samples and potential detrimental impact on efficiency and accuracy. We may study the issue further and offer it as a choice in the future, but for now it is not an option we will offer.
For more information on pooled sample testing, please visit the FDA website here: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/pooled-sample-testing-and-screening-testing-covid-19
Related Articles
I tested positive with covidSHIELD and negative with nasal PCR or other test. Which result is correct?
Not all PCR tests are the same. They run on different PCR instruments, use different reagents, look for different genes, etc. etc. For example, the covidSHIELD saliva test is more reliable overall compared to self-collected nasal specimens. Nasal PCR ...Can I schedule a test for myself?
SHIELD Illinois does not offer individual testing. However, individuals can get tested using the covidSHIELD test by SHIELD Illinois through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) community testing sites. The list of sites and times can be ...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 ...Do I need to have another test to confirm my covidSHIELD results
No. Follow-up testing is not needed. The covidSHIELD saliva-based test is a definitive rtPCR diagnostic test authorized by the FDA.How is the test specimen disposed of after testing?
Test specimens are safely and permanently destroyed once testing is completed in accordance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency rules and regulations. Negative, inconclusive, invalid, and rejected specimens are immediately discarded to be ...