FDA warns about COVID-19 molecular test false negatives as virus mutates

The FDA is warning that false negatives may occur with molecular tests used to detect SARS-CoV-2 if a mutation has occurred in the virus’s genome.

According to the FDA, the warning comes as public health officials warn about the new B.1.1.7 variant that appears to be more transmissible than the COVID-19 virus from 2020.