COVID-19 test result was a false positive

The COVID-19 test result for a Sanders County resident turned out to be a false positive.

According to Clark Fork Valley Hospital President and CEO Gregory S. Hanson, the hospital received word from the Montana State Lab that the virus was not found in the speciman.

“As I indicted yesterday we had a positive test result for Covid-19 and that we were awaiting confirmatory testing from the Montana State Lab,” Hanson wrote on the hospital’s website. “All testing has an inherent inaccuracy with both inaccurate positive and negative rates. The most accurate testing available is through the Montana State Lab so it is used to confirm results in cases like ours. We received notice this afternoon that Covid-19 was not found in the specimen we asked for confirmation on. Our test result will be considered a “false positive” and as such Sanders County will continue to show on maps as not having a confirmed case.

“A great deal of conversation in social media occurred as a result of the result we had. Out of all of it what is most important for us to keep in mind is that the practices we have instituted remain the bedrock of our society’s attempt to limit the impact of Covid-19. Wash hands, cough into elbows, social distancing, wearing of masks, and stay home if you’re sick. These will continue to be effective efforts to keep our most vulnerable loved ones safe.”

Hanson said it is still more likely than not that Covid-19 will occur in Sanders County.

“But our individual efforts can go a long ways to limit the negative impact it will have,” Hanson wrote.