Still Sick After a Negative Test? Understanding PCR, BioFire, and When More Information Matters

Rapid flu, COVID, and strep tests are helpful — but they don’t always tell the full story. In this episode of Housecalls and Health, we explain why rapid tests can be falsely negative, how PCR-based testing like BioFire works, and when additional testing can change diagnosis and treatment. We discuss real clinical examples, including the rise of mycoplasma pneumonia, why it’s often missed, and how early diagnosis can significantly shorten illness and recovery time.