Why is the CDC’s 2019 Real Time PCR Test being retired?

Recently, the CDC requested that the emergency use authorization (EUA) issued by the FDA for the CDC 2019 Real-Time PCR test be retired. The CDC no longer needs to maintain this EUA because the FDA has authorized hundreds of other SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests since the beginning of the pandemic. The removal of this test is not related to its accuracy or reliability of it and only applies to the CDC's PCR test and does not apply to any other PCR tests authorized for use by the FDA.

View the CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus Real-Time PCR Diagnostic Panel to learn about the retirement of the CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus Real-Time PCR Diagnostic.

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1. Who should be tested for COVID-19?
2. What is contact tracing?
3. What to do if you receive a positive COVID-19 test result?
4. When will I receive my test results?
5. Where can I get tested?
6. If I test positive for COVID-19, will I be contacted by Public Health?
7. Why is the CDC’s 2019 Real Time PCR Test being retired?