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Hi Leanne,
I hope you’re doing well.
People who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 can have detectable virus in
upper respiratory secretions for up to 3 months. However, the virus is no
longer replicating – and it is highly unlikely individuals are infectious
– after around 10 (mild-moderate illness) to 20 days (severe illness)
after developing symptoms.
So people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may test positive on
the RAT and the result may be a true positive depending on the timeframe.
But this doesn’t mean they are infectious (same as with PCR test).
If a person who had COVID develops symptoms again, and it has been three
months since their first infection, they should get a PCR test as it is
possible to become reinfected with SARS-CoV-2.
NSW Health recommends against asymptomatic testing (such as surveillance
testing) for 6 months after a person has recovered from COVID due to the
possibility of a positive result (again, could be true positive but person
not infectious). I can’t find a similar recommendation for Victoria but I
think this is a good guideline to use.
Cheers
Crystal
*Crystal Polson, MSN, RN, NP, GCert IPC* | Infection Control Coordinator
University of Melbourne | Public Health Network
*M*: 0434 831 715 *E: *crystal.polson@unimelb.edu.au
Please note, I do not work on Fridays
On Thu, Oct 28, 2021 at 10:40 AM Leanne IAnson wrote:
> Hi All,
>
>
>
> Just wondering if anyone has heard data regarding false positive RAT in
> those that have had covid-19.
>
>
>
> We have been informed it is pointless to use RAT on those that have had
> the virus as they often show false positive results ,
>
> Appreciate all feedback
>
>
>
> Kind Regards
>
>
>
> Leanne IAnson
>
> Infection Prevention and Control Manager
>
>
>
> *TLC Healthcare*
>
> Mobile:0487210205
>
> [image:
> https://www.tlchealthcare.com.au/assets/email/tlc-healthcare-combined-2018.jpg%5D
>
>
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MESSAGES POSTED TO THIS LIST ARE SOLELY THE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR, AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE OPINION OF ACIPC.
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