Antigen tests do not rule out the possibility of contamination with COVID at the inauguration of Pedro Pierluisi

Antigen testing for it COVID-19 – that’s the elected governor Pedro Pierluisi requires each of the 400 guests to act – they are not as reliable as molecular (PCR) and they can yield between 10% and 20% false negatives.

Among the 400 guests, this percentage of inaccuracy could give the margin for at least one or two people infected, but without symptoms, to participate in the event this Saturday, Dr. Fernando Cabanillas explained. A single person with the virus can infect an average of three others.

He added that, given that there is a 3% prevalence of asymptomatic people in Puerto Rico, but with the virus, “12 infected people would be expected” on the jury, which would be reduced to one or two after conducting antigen tests.

“It makes sense that the tests are done, but the question is really which test and with what expectation, because you do it the week before and in that week he could be infected,” said the doctor.

“You have to see the name of the test that the guests will present. Whether it is really the antigen test or a molecular test (PCR), which is more reliable than the antigen test. If it’s really an antigen test, they are more likely to have a false negative than a molecular test, ”he added.

On Wednesday, the Minister of Health, Lorenzo González, supported Pierluisi’s inauguration. “All of these people who come to this type of activity are educated, aware, recognize symptoms and can generate a response,” he said, causing more discomfort in light of the wave of criticism the event has raised, especially on social networks .

Cabanillas said he sees no reason for Pierluisi to invite “so many people” to his inauguration. “The more people, the more chance of infection,” he emphasized.

The designated Health Minister, Carlos Mellado, was unavailable to respond yesterday. Meanwhile, Pierluisi’s press spokeswoman, Sheila Angleró, in response to questions from El Nuevo Día, indicated that the test that will be required of each guest must be paid for by him.

In addition, he said the test must be done, “as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” 72 hours or less before the event, which will be held on the north side of the Capitol.