Rospotrebnadzor explained the negative PCR test for COVID-19

The likelihood of detecting coronavirus during testing decreases on the fourth or fifth day of illness, so sometimes a patient has all the symptoms of COVID-19 , but the test shows a negative result. This, according to RIA Novosti, was stated by the Deputy Director for Clinical and Analytical Work of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, Professor Natalya Pshenichnaya.

“After the fourth or fifth day of illness, the likelihood of detecting a virus in the nasopharynx decreases, and respiratory symptoms may be in full swing at this time. If you test within these terms, you can get a negative result, ”she said.

The day before, Pshenichnaya said that an accurate diagnosis of a coronavirus infection can only be made through laboratory testing. According to the infectious disease specialist, COVID-19 does not have pronounced symptoms, thanks to which the disease can be immediately detected.

According to her, a person may suspect that he is sick with COVID-19 if he observes respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose and fever, and if he has been in contact with an infected person a few days ago. However, these symptoms can be in the flu and SARS.