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Multiple mutations in the coronavirus over 15 months are making parts of it unrecognisable to lab tests
It starts with a cough. Then comes fever and you feel short of breath. An alarm goes off in your mind. Is it Covid? You are so relieved when the test comes out negative, but four days later you are no better. A second test confirms Covid.
Many patients have experienced this in the second wave. As
TOI reported on Tuesday, about 1 in 5 patients may get a false negative report. Sometimes, second and third tests also fail to spot the virus.
It’s worrying because the coronavirus is now fooling RT-PCR tests – the most reliable type. A false negative report is bad for the patient as they might delay consulting a doctor. It’s also bad for others, as the patient might not isolate, and spread the virus around.