What do my results mean?

What do my results mean?

The covidSHIELD test looks for three markers which are specific to the SARS-CoV-2 virus plus a control substance which is added during the testing process. The results of the test can be interpreted as follows:
  1. Negative – The test did not find any of the three SARS-CoV-2 markers and did detect the presence of the control substance. This indicates the test was valid and the patient does not have COVID-19.
  2. Positive – The test detected at least two of the three SARS-CoV-2 markers and the presence of the control substance. This patient is positive for COVID-19.
  3. Inconclusive – Only one of three markers and the control could be detected. The test is valid but no definitive diagnosis could be determined. Specimens that result in an Inconclusive result are retested by the lab once before that result is released to the patient/organization. This is why Inconclusive results may arrive after other results for the organization. Patients who receive inconclusive results should retest at the earliest possible time. 
  4. Invalid – The control substance could not be detected in the specimen provided. This is likely due to a poor-quality sample, not adhering to the fasting requirements or other interfering material in the sample. As with Inconclusive results, SHIELD Illinois will retest specimens that produce an Invalid response before releasing the result to the patient. This is why Invalid results may arrive after other results for the organization. It is recommended to have the participant retest and adhere to the 1-hour fasting requirements, focusing on producing the specimen from saliva, not sputum.
Non-Result Statuses
  1. Pending – The specimen has been received at the lab and has been processed.  The first run either produced a result that the Instructions For Use require to be retested or the Medical Laboratory Scientist who reviewed the result determined another test of the specimen was warranted. "Pending" is not a final status. When the restest is complete, the status will be updated.
  1. Rejected – The sample was not able to be processed at the lab. This is likely due to low sample volume, the cap coming off the tube in transport or other damage to the tube, and/or extremely poor sample quality. It is recommended to have the participant retest and adhere to the 1 hour fasting requirements, focusing on producing the specimen from saliva, not sputum. "Rejected" is a final status.