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Accuracy still unknown for many coronavirus tests rushed out

Experts say more data is needed on critical issues, including how many infections tests may be missing.

Credit: AP

FILE - In this May 20, 2020, file photo, Salt Lake County Health Department public health nurse Lee Cherie Booth performs a coronavirus test outside the Salt Lake County Health Department in Salt Lake City. Public health officials have said robust testing for the coronavirus is essential to safely lifting stay-at-home orders and business closures, but states are creating confusion in the way they are reporting the data. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

WASHINGTON — Months into the coronavirus pandemic there are still unanswered questions about the accuracy of tests used to screen Americans.

Experts say more data is needed on critical issues, including how many infections tests may be missing.

The Food and Drug Administration has authorized scores of tests based on a small number of lab studies.

Experts say those measures doesn’t capture how tests perform when used on patients and could contribute to new viral flare-ups due to missed infections.

The FDA says its standards are lower due to the current emergency but it has asked some test makers for additional information.

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