Some H1N1 Tests Delivering False Results

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - You could have swine flu and not know it. Some tests used to diagnose the virus are giving false negatives.

You might be asking what's the point? Why get tested? Well, one Mid-South Infectious Disease Specialist says not everyone needs to be tested, especially since the results are often misleading.

Feeling sick? A trip to the doctor's to find out if the flu has found you could be a waste of your time, and money.

Dr. Manoj Jain says "if you get tested, and your test comes back negative, we don't know if you really have or don't have H1N1 type flu," says Jain.

Jain says almost half of all cases will not be picked up by rapid test. The reason is often, the test is not done properly.

"The swab has to be placed deep into the nasal pharynx, the nose and throat area."

And sometimes, too much time has passed since the symptoms first started. So why get tested? Doctor Jain said it's not necessary.

"Generally the symptoms are mild, you talk to the doctor, there is no need to test, and its ok, just ride the symptoms out."

So who needs to be tested? High risk groups, pregnant women, those with underlying conditions, and people admitted to hospitals. For that group, there is a gold standard test--used in rare cases.

"We rarely do it, its more investigational research test, we can send it off, but it takes a week, 10 days to come back" making it unhelpful for quick results and diagnosis which could be harmful to others.

"If people are tested, and they think they don't have H1N1, and they go back to work, or go back to school, they pose a threat to the community, so doctors are suggesting is that if you have flu symptoms, stay at home, even if the test is negative."