Variance in test results

The prolonged presence of the coronavirus pandemic is throwing up new questions nearly every day. According to reports in the media, discrepancies have been found in lab tests carried out for the Covid-19 disease. Tests done by one lab shows a person having the disease, but the same person’s tests carried out by another lab declares him free from coronavirus. Several such cases have been reported in Sindh. These include even doctors.

There is nothing new in this. It does happen even in cases of diseases like tuberculosis and malignancy. Test results from one lab shows a person suffering from cancer whereas the same individual’s test results from another lab show him afflicted by some other disease. This is why hospitals specialising in the treatment of such diseases do not recognise the results of tests carried out by labs other than their own. This practice is largely followed the world over. However, considering the fact that the coronavirus has affected most parts of the world, it should not be surprising to see variance in test reports of different labs. One has also to bear in mind that countries like Pakistan have limited testing capacity chiefly because of the novelty of the virus and its fast worldwide spread.

Medical experts say there is always room for human error. They are of the opinion that the authenticity of test results also depend on the kind of tests carried out on suspected patients. However, here too the tendency to make some quick bucks cannot be ruled out. At government labs coronavirus tests are being carried out for free. On the other hand, private labs are charging Rs8,000 for the test. Informed sources say this difference leaves room for manipulation by unscrupulous elements. The government needs to focus on all aspects of the pandemic. Elimination of discrepancies in test results will avoid panic as well as ensure timely treatment of confirmed patients.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th, 2020.

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