“Undetermined” Covid Test

Posted by LMH963 @LMH963, Jan 13, 2021

What is an “undetermined’ Covid Test result mean and what is the next step?

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jan 13, 2021

Is this an antibody test to see if you had Covid previously, or a PCR test to see if you have it now?

An "undetermined" result on the antibody test means the test did not confirm the current presence of antibodies, nor did it confirm no antibodies. Here is some info - https://www.childrenshospitalurgentcare.com/covid-19/antibody-vs-molecular-testing/#:~:text=Indeterminate%3A%20An%20indeterminate%20result%20means,to%20be%20reported%20as%20reactive.

Here is what Mayo Clinic Labs have to say about PCR testing - https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/608825

A repeat of the test is recommended if Covid is suspected.

Sue

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jan 13, 2021

Our son had a nasal swab test that was inconclusive. (Don’t know if that is same thing). He had to get a repeat nasal swab (?? days later)to determine if he was positive or negative.

LMH963 | @LMH963 | Jan 13, 2021

In reply to @sueinmn "Is this an antibody test to see if you had Covid previously, or a PCR test..." + (show)

It was a nasal swab test and the results were ‘undetermined’

LMH963 | @LMH963 | Jan 13, 2021

In reply to @LMH963 "It was a nasal swab test and the results were ‘undetermined’" + (show)

Correction.. Indeterminate was the result

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 14, 2021

@LMH963- Good morning. Unfortunately, there is no "standard" nose swab test. By this, I mean that every tester swabs differently and each clinic or hospital has different methods. The results of your "swab" as indeterminate might have just been a poor tester. Some people don't go deep enough into your nose. An indeterminate result means that the lab cannot tell for sure if you have COVID-19 (coronavirus) or not. Sometimes the lab will be unable to get any result when they test your sample. This is called an invalid or inhibitory result.

If you had the test done because you had symptoms then I would isolate your self and get re-tested. Ask your PCP how long you need to wait before you are re-tested.

If you have symptoms and have symptoms make sure that you monitor your O2 levels and temperature regularly. A Pulse Oximeter is easy to use and can be purchased at any pharmacy. Treat your symptoms so that you are as comfortable as possible.

If you have no symptoms then find out when you can get re-tested and go from there. Best of luck. I hope that your next test is more definitive.