The highest-ranking official within the US government conducting diagnostic tests for coronavirus on Thursday called on the population not to undergo a second test to confirm that they recovered from the virus.
Undersecretary of Health Admiral Brett Giroir said that second tests are not necessary for most people who are infected but remain indoors. That kind of analysis is saturating the system, he said.
The federal health authorities will soon issue new explicit guidelines against said practice, except in patients with severe symptoms.
Americans in various states continue to deal with long lines at test sites, and long wait times for results. The problems are due to a combination of pressures, including increased demand for diagnostic tests, a shortage of supplies, and bottlenecks in laboratories that process tests.
Federal authorities intend to increase the use of rapid tests to reduce waiting times. Such tests can yield results in 15 minutes or less and can be performed at test sites, doctor’s offices, and clinics. They are usually less accurate than tests that need to be developed in clinical laboratories.
From our print edition today:
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