[dabigv13]

So the test being used is a PCR test that works based on the presence of viral RNA. Only a very small amount of viral RNA is necessary for a positive test, and viral RNA can be present even after an infection has passed and a patient is no longer contagious, which requires complete viral particles. So that strikes me as the most likely explanation for most of these reinfection articles.

[dabigv13]

So the test being used is a PCR test that works based on the presence of viral RNA. Only a very small amount of viral RNA is necessary for a positive test, and viral RNA can be present even after an infection has passed and a patient is no longer contagious, which requires complete viral particles. So that strikes me as the most likely explanation for most of these reinfection articles.