A lab used by the NFL for conducting Covid19 tests for players, coaches and other staff, says 77 false positive test results were returned over the weekend because of a contamination.
“On August 22, BioReference Laboratories reported an elevated number of positive COVID-19 PCR test results for NFL players and personnel at multiple clubs,” a statement released by the lab read. “The NFL immediately took necessary actions to ensure the safety of the players and personnel. Our investigation indicated that these were most likely false positive results, caused by an isolated contamination during test preparation in the New Jersey laboratory.”
“Reagents, analyzers and staff were all ruled out as possible causes and subsequent testing has indicated that the issue has been resolved. All individuals impacted have been confirmed negative and informed,” the statement adds.
This is not the first brush with Covid19 false positives the NFL has had. Detroit Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford’s Covid19 test returned a false positive result earlier this month.
Leading Pro-Football Talk to raise a series of interesting questions: “… What would happen if another contamination happens during the season. Could games be postponed or canceled over what turn out to be false positive tests?”
Photo by Mike Morbeck