Zika virus tests should be read conservatively, CDC interim guidance says

New interim guidelines from the CDC stipulate that providers should take a conservative approach to interpreting Zika virus and dengue tests to prevent a missed diagnosis.

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A positive real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction result indicates a definite Zika virus infection, but a negative rRT-PCR result doesn’t exclude an infection, and immunoglobulin M and antibody testing can identify a more recent Zika virus infection.

The new guidance changes the timing of IgM antibody testing and the thresholds of plaque reduction neutralization test. See the full guidance here.

The CDC will update the interim guidance as new rRT-PCR data becomes available.

More articles on Zika virus:
Many Americans unaware of how Zika spreads and 6 other survey findings  
WHO doubles suggested abstinence period after traveling to active Zika zones  
House speaker calls for relaxed EPA regulations to combat Zika-carrying mosquitoes 

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