Separate data from Serology versus PCR tests.
While you are reporting the number of PCR tests and serology tests separately each day, in the cumulative reporting you are combining these two tests. It is not clear if the positive/new cases data includes the positives from both tests or not, but calculating the percent positives, suggests that you are conflating Serology (antibody) positives, which newly diagnosed cases, which is skewing the data making it impossible to determine actual trends in the data and make conclusions about the real situation in our state. Please correct the data and separate out anitbody results from new cases.
Jessica Knapp
shared this idea
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Margaret Bowman
commented
I'm certain that when the test results are reported, the two different types of testing are coded for your use. It is imperative that you separate the two types of testing in your dashboard reporting so that sense can be made of the daily numbers. To separate the two types of test results would be appropriately transparent for all Arizonans.
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Matt
commented
By not separating PCR results and serology results, you could be doubling the appearance of new cases. A positive serology test could come from someone who had a positive PCR test. It's not an accurate way to determine actual new cases and should at least be shown separately. The serology test only says you have had it or any other SARS virus that can cause the serology test to be positive. It does not definitively prove a new case of COVID-19. Please separate the results.
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Dr Scott
commented
Where is feedback AZDHS - please acknowledge that this is being worked on with some urgency.
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Maria
commented
Jessica you are absolutely correct. The separate numbers for PCR and antibody / serology tests show up on the drop down options, and the total new daily case numbers confirm the two types of tests are being combined. Especially looking at counties with fewer total cases, you can see by the percent positives that they are being combined. I've posted and commented on this a number of times since May 8. New positive antibody / serology tests do NOT show new infection, so total new daily case numbers in the state and within individual counties have therefore been giving no information about trends of COVID-19 in Arizona or whether mitigation measures have had any effect. Especially as antibody testing continues to increase, new total daily case numbers will continually go up even when new infections decline.