What Does It Mean If I Test Negative For COVID-19?
COVID-19Common questionSee full answerWhat does it mean if I test negative for COVID-19?A negative test result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in your sample. However, it is possible for this test to give a negative result that is incorrect (false negative) in some people with COVID- 19. You might test negative if the sample was collected early during your infection.You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after your sample was collected and then have become infected. In par
Can someone test negative and later test positive on a viral test for COVID-19?
Yes, it is possible. You may test negative if the sample was collected early in your infection and test positive later during this illness. You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after the test and get infected then. Even if you test negative, you still should take steps to protect yourself and others. See Testing for Current Infection for more information.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) frequently asked questions
Does a negative result rule out the possibility of COVID-19?
A negative result does not rule out COVID-19 and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions. A negative result does not exclude the possibility of COVID-19.
Risk of False Results with the Curative SARS-Cov-2 Test for COVID-19
What are consequences of a false negative COVID-19 test?
Risks to a patient of a false negative test result include: delayed or lack of supportive treatment, lack of monitoring of infected individuals and their household or other close contacts for symptoms resulting in increased risk of spread of COVID-19 within the community, or other unintended adverse events.
CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel - Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet
What does a negative COVID-19 virus test result mean if you have symptoms of COVID-19?
If you test negative for the virus that causes COVID-19, the virus was not detected.• If you have symptoms of COVID-19: - You may have received a false negative test result and still might have COVID-19. You should isolate away from others. - Contact your healthcare provider about your symptoms, especially if they worsen, about follow-up testing, and how long to isolate.
Test for Current Infection - COVID-19