How reliable is the PCR test?
Good question! In this section PlusOnline goes in search of answers to nagging questions. This time: does the PCR corona test also give a positive result for other viruses?
Many messages appear online about the PCR test that checks whether you are infected with the coronavirus. People are increasingly doubting its reliability, because the test would also be positive for other viruses, such as the rhinovirus (a cold virus). But is this true?
The answer is no. Harald Wychgel of RIVM: “The PCR test is very specifically aimed at detecting COVID-19, not other viruses. The rhinovirus is now also circulating, we use a different test for that. We always report those results, so there probably because of the confusion.”
Testing for complaints
According to IC doctor and chairman of the Dutch Association for Intensive Care Diederik Gommers, a PCR test alone is not enough to determine whether someone actively has COVID-19 at that time. He tells RTL Nieuws: “It is essential that you do the test in people with symptoms, such as a cold, and/or cough, and/or fever, etc.” That is why it is very important that people do not just believe everything that is said on social media and let themselves be to test in case of complaints.
