It depends on which tests are used. The reported rate of false negative results is as high as 30-50% for antigen tests, which is why they are NOT useful as a single test for active infection. False negatives are also higher when the test is given “too early” after exposure. The more costly and accurate PCR tests involving nasal swabs have a false negative rate between 5 and 10 percent if properly administered and analyzed using the proper reagents and lab procedures.
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