Public Health

How Does the Molecular Test Work?

The molecular test utilizes the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, which greatly amplifies sequences of viral/bacterial RNA. PCR testing does not indicate whether or not a person has developed antibodies to a virus. It is only being used to diagnose an active infection.

Kary Mullis, an American biochemist who died August 7, 2019, invented PCR in 1985 while working for Cetus Corporation in Emeryville, California. 

Accuracy.  Because the test is so sensitive, it may give a false positive by detecting non-targeted genetic sequences of viral/bacterial RNA. The test may give a false negative for someone who has very recently been infected. For a full analysis of the issue of accuracy with SARS-coV-2 testing, see Forbes magazine, "This Is How 'False Positives' And 'False Negatives' Can Bias COVID-19 Testing" here.

On Monday, June 15th, Tehama County Public Health provided free molecular testing for SARS-coV-2  from 10 AM to 2 PM

Testing took place on the lawn in front of the Administrative building at Lassen Volcanic National Park's Headquarters, 38050 Hwy. 36 E. No appointment was necessary. 

Testing was voluntary, and recipients were be required to complete and sign a consent form. If you would like, you may download the consent form by clicking here.