The coronavirus testing device used by the White House to receive results quickly may be missing positive cases, according to a new study from New York University.
The study found that Abbott’s ID NOW missed at least one-third of positive cases detected by a different test. The number of false negatives increased when using the currently recommended dry nasal swabs.
The study has not yet been peer-reviewed and was shared on BioRxiv, a server where scientists can share early work before such reviews.
Researchers raised concerns about the false negative rates in April, leading Abbott to recommend avoiding storing samples in a liquid because it might dilute the test and lead to a false negative result. But when the researchers followed the recommendation, the results missed the coronavirus in 48% of the samples that were positive using a Cepheid GeneXpert test.
However, Abbott disputed the latest findings. Scott Stoffell, divisional vice president for external communications, said 1.8 million tests had been distributed, with a reported rate of 0.02% false negatives.
“Once again, a study has been conducted using ID NOW in a manner that it’s not intended to be used,” he said. “It’s unclear if the samples were tested correctly, and we’re further evaluating these results.
“The outcomes in this paper are inconsistent with any experience that we’ve had with this instrument.”
The White House is using Abbott’s rapid test to test staff, reporters, and others who come in contact with the president and vice president frequently.
President Trump has praised the device, offering to give one to Joe Biden’s presidential campaign.
