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:
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 ...
How or if a patient or organization will receive results is dependent on the organization type and how it was requested to be configured. For community test sites, the patient will receive their results through the patient portal at ...
Repeat testing after the initial positive test is neither required nor recommended. You should rely on your initial positive covidSHIELD test as definitive, take appropriate action to isolate and consult with your health care provider or local health ...
No. SHIELD Illinois encourages everyone to refrain from eating or drinking for 60 minutes before the test to prevent the specimen from being rejected by the lab or producing a result of INVALID. Eating or drinking before the test would not cause an ...
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 ...