Reporting False Positives in COVID-19 Testing

We have received a handful of reports of BD Analyzers producing COVID-19 false positives with staff and residents. AHCA/NCAL is working closely with LeadingAge, the Department of Health and Human Services, and BD Veritor leadership to investigate these preliminary reports, determine the extent of the issue, and understand the cause(s). BD has set up dedicated resources for providers experiencing false positives.

• Providers who experience multiple false positives ONLY can call Sara Lewis at (207) 522-7563. Please note that this number will likely change in the next few days.
• You can also email BD at Technical_Services@bd.com.
• BD offers a microsite and training webinars, which members are encouraged to review if they are having concerns with accuracy to make sure they are properly following all instructions.

Members should continue to use these POC tests but are encouraged to follow the CDC guidance and algorithm with details about when to conduct confirmation testing of positive antigen tests.

You are also encouraged to conduct confirmation testing with PCR tests in other situations not covered by CDC guidance where asymptomatic residents or staff test positive with the antigen tests given the recent reports of false positives.

If asymptomatic residents test positive with a POC antigen test, they should be placed into TBC and single room if possible but not moved to a COVID-19 (+) or cohorted with a known positive resident until confirmation testing with PCR is obtained.