- COVID tests may not always detect the virus, leading some individuals to test their stool for a positive result.
- Experts caution against using home test kits for this purpose, as testing positive for COVID through a stool sample does not necessarily mean an active infection. It could indicate remnants of a previous infection or the presence of another viral illness.
- Better diagnostic tools are needed to accurately identify different infections, highlighting the importance of basic precautions such as handwashing, isolation, mask-wearing, and rest for reducing the impact of any viral illness, including COVID.
Additional Coverage:
- Some people say COVID tests are more accurate if you swab your poop instead of your nose. Here’s what’s going on. (businessinsider.com)
If you are feeling sick and receive a negative COVID test result, it can be frustrating. Some people claim that they only get an accurate result by swabbing their feces. Experts were asked about this approach.
There are various reasons why a regular nose swab test may not turn positive if you have COVID. It could be because you tested too early, your viral load is very low, you have another viral illness, or you didn’t perform the test correctly.
However, some individuals who test negative for COVID are not accepting that result. They have taken to social media to share their experience of testing their stool and achieving positive COVID results.
It is true that COVID can be found in stool samples, but experts agree that using home test kits in this way is not recommended. The virus can linger in feces even after recovery. A study conducted in 2022 found that around 13% of people who had previously had COVID still had the virus in their stool four months later, even though their nose and throat swabs were negative. In other words, testing positive for COVID through a stool sample does not necessarily mean you have an active infection. It could indicate the presence of some other viral illness or remnants of a previous COVID infection.
It is also possible to have a mild COVID infection that is undetectable on a rapid test, especially if you have built up immunity through a recent infection or vaccination. While this may make you less infectious, it does not guarantee that you won’t transmit the illness to someone who is vulnerable.
The fact that some individuals are resorting to testing their stool for COVID highlights the need for better diagnostic tools. Currently, reliable and precise tools that can accurately identify different infections are still lacking. Therefore, if you feel sick, it is likely that you are indeed ill. Following basic precautions such as handwashing, isolation when possible, wearing masks in close quarters, and allowing your body time to rest and recover are still important measures to reduce the impact of any viral illness, including COVID.