Coronavirus Vocabulary: What Does “Presumptive Positive” Mean?
As of Tuesday, March 17th, there are 48 cases of Coronavirus in 16 counties in North Carolina. Today, 4 more Mecklenburg County residents tested presumptively positive for the virus bringing the countywide total to 11 cases.
BUT WHAT DOES PRESUMPTIVELY POSITIVE MEAN?? Why not just say they tested positive for the virus? Because there is a difference between the two and I am here to break down the difference for you.
According to the CDC, a presumptive positive result is when a patient has tested positive by a local public health laboratory, but results are still pending confirmation as a CDC lab.
There are 3 levels that the CDC uses to classify potential cases of the Coronavirus.
- Person Under Investigation – people who are/were under investigation for having the virus but tested negative
- Presumptive Positive Case – people that tested positive at the local or state level
- Laboratory-confirmed Case – people that tested positive at the CDC laboratory
It is important to note that while we have 48 reported cases in North Carolina, NO DEATHS have been reported. Remember to frequently wash your hand, practice social distancing, and STAY HOME!!!!! Stay Safe Nosey Neighbors!
