Performance of the SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test as a tool for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection in the population
DSA ADS Course - 2022
Performance of the SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test as a tool for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection in the population
COVID19, Public Policy, Health Policy, SARS-CoV-2, RT-PCR Test, Infectious Potential, Laboratory Quality Assurance, Dr. Kary Mullis, Cycle Threshold Values
RT-PCR test was never fit to act as diagnostic tool as stated by inventor of PCR test, Dr. Kary Mullis. Considering massive false positives by detecting minute amounts of virus particles, the PCR test created an illusion of reality. Mislabeling positive tests as "cases" - and "cases" as purported "infections" - is gross negligence and violates basic tenets of data science practice. Data science requires precise uniform definitions to find truth and objective reality to enable optimal decision-making and appropriate policy.
Intentional decision to increase cycle threshold (Ct) values of PCR test created a "casedemic" to justify certain policy decisions like lockdowns, business closures and school closures - and justify emergency use authorization for an experimental vaccine strategy instead of therapeutic drug treatment strategy (more accurately a combined short-term therapeutic treatment strategy of early treatment with repurposed therapeutics and nutraceuticals - and longer-term vaccine strategy with long-term data/evidence of vaccine efficacy and safety).
Yet intentional decision to lower cycle threshold values for vaccines manipulates "case" numbers and games the system to provide a pre-determined result.
Some assert the increase of PCR cycle threshold values was intended to juice "case" numbers - creating an illusion of reality - with intent to create fear in the public to increase policy compliance.
This is a textbook example of data science malpractice and may result in civil and criminal liablility.
Summary
Objectives To evaluate the population-based performance of the SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test as a tool for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection during the pandemic in 2020.
Methods We analysed SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR results of 162,457 people living in Münster, Germany screened at nursing homes, testing sites, at schools, regional hospitals, and by general practitioners. All PCRs were done with the same cobas SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR system (Roche Diagnostics). We stratified positive RT-PCR results by cycle threshold (Ct) values, periods of the national test strategy, age, sex, and symptoms.
Results Among 162,457 individuals, 4164 (2.6%) had a positive RT-PCR test result, defined as Ct<40. Depending on the national test strategy, higher positive rates were associated with testing predominantly symptomatic people. Children (0-9 years) and older adults (70+ years). Only 40.6% of test positives showed low Ct values < 25 (potentially infectious). The percentage of Ct values below 25 was lower among children (0-9), adolescents (10-19), and among the elderly (70+ years).
Conclusions RT-PCR testing as a tool for mass screening should not be used alone as a base for pandemic decision making including measures such as quarantine, isolation, and lockdown.
