The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) publish a regular infection survey that reports data on positive RT-PCR test results for SARS-COV-2 virus. This survey reports that a large proportion of positive test results are based on the detection of a single gene rather than on two or more genes as required in the manufacturer instructions for use, and by the WHO in their emergency use assessment. The proportion of positives called on single genes increased over time, suggesting a shift in testing policy around mid-November 2020 coincident with the reported significant increase in transmission of the new variant B1.1.7. Without diagnostic validation of the single gene call, for both the original and the B1.1.7 variant it can only be assumed that, in the absence of confirmatory testing, many of the reported positive results may in fact be inconclusive, negative or from people who suffered past infection for SARS-COV-2.
翻译:英国国家统计局公布定期感染调查,其中报告关于SARS-COV-2病毒的RT-PCR检测结果正数数据,该调查报告说,大部分正数检测结果都基于检测单一基因,而不是制造商使用指令和世卫组织紧急使用评估所要求的两种或两种以上基因,使用单一基因的比例随着时间的推移而增加,表明在2020年11月中旬左右测试政策的转变与所报告的新的变异B1.1.7.的传播明显增加相吻合,如果不对原变异和B1.1.7变异的单一基因呼声进行诊断性验证,只能假定在没有确认性测试的情况下,所报告的许多正数结果事实上可能是无结果的,是负数的,或来自曾经感染SARS-COV-2的人。