One thing is for sure that the test does not show the presence of the virus. Anyone who says otherwise is misinformed or lying. At present, there is no test available to test the coronavirus.
The test, which is usually conducted using swab samples, is called the PCR test. The PCR test does not test the virus, but a long chain chemical compound commonly known by its fancy name DNA or RNA. Therefore, the test is a chemical test to monitor a chemical compound (DNA or RNA) or its part by its nature. With a positive test result, it is assumed that the RNA is from the coronavirus. However, because no one has seen or isolated actual coronavirus, it is impossible to establish if the RNA (or its part) is from the virus. The positive test results could be from any or many sources, including regular seasonal, live or dead, flu-virus, or its debris.
Also, scientifically speaking, before any test is accepted for its intended use, it must be validated to show that it is specific and accurate. However, the current PCR test could not be validated because it would require coronavirus itself and its RNA that is not available. Therefore, the PCR test becomes invalid or irrelevant and unpredictable.
So to the question, “What does a positive coronavirus test really mean?” The answer is NOTHING! For a more detailed discussion on the topic, please follow the link..
(Revised for editorial changes on November 23, 2020).