Federal officials allowed distribution of COVID-19 antibody tests after they knew many were flawed

[tinrobot]

Federal officials failed to immediately stop the distribution of many COVID-19 antibody tests they knew were flawed, leading to inaccurate data about the spread of the virus. Congress is now investigating why the FDA did not review the tests it allowed to be distributed widely throughout the U.S. Sharyn Alfonsi's three-month investigation into the faulty tests will be broadcast on 60 Minutes, Sunday, June 28 at 7 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

COVID-19 diagnostic kits were in short supply when the pandemic broke out. An alternative test to detect the presence of antibodies in blood was sold as a way to indicate who was exposed to the virus at some point and could now be immune. Such tests would help officials track the disease and determine when it might be safe to begin opening up the economy. The FDA said it would allow the antibody tests to enter the US market and would do so without a formal review. Over 200 companies hit the market with the tests.

More: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/federal-officials-allowed-flawed-covid-19-antibody-tests-2020-06-25/

I think this explains a few things. My daughter almost certainly had it, but tested negative for antibodies a few weeks later. I probably had it and tested negative on the same test as well. Even my doctor is now saying the tests are unreliable.

But going further - this is yet another example of the administration royally screwing up the response and endangering lives.

"Everybody gets a test!" (that doesn't work)

[bamagal62]

1. Question is were any of them reliable?

I thought I had it for certain. I had all the symptoms exxcpt the fever. I was sick for 21+days. I tested negative for antibodies 7 weeks after being ill. Were any of them reliable and if so, shouldn't they inform us?