Tupelo medical experts say some coronavirus test results can be misleading

Tupelo medical experts say some coronavirus test results can be misleading because all negative results do not rule out the virus.

"if it's positive, like a flu antigen, then you have the disease."

However according to dr. jeremy blanchard at north mississippi medical center, new research shows a negative rapid test result does not rule out the virus.

And according to nurse practicioner lindsay weatherford, with rapid tests, you may have to test twice to be sure.

"you test negative, especially if it's very early on into your symptoms, i have you come back and do a retest."

Both docters said most patients prefer the rapid testing because it hurts less and the results come quicker.

"that's the nose swab that's the rapid one.

The other one is called a nasopharyngeal swab and that's the one that goes so far up it makes people cry."

Also known as the pcr test, which is usually sent to a lab and takes two to three days to get results.

However both dr. blanchard and weatherford said the results from the pcr test are more reliable and you only need to test once "don't put yourself through double pain just go ahead and do the more painful one."

But according to dr. blanchard both tests could be misleading if tested too soon.

"we actually have to wait until about day five for it really to be an effective test."

However they also said with both tests it is okay to test once if you are not showing symptoms symptoms the food truck made a stop in webster county today and handed out dozens of plates