The CDC stated the RT-PCR test cannot distinguish between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses

the verdict

REFUTED

the evidence says no

Recorded sources

0 sources for · 4 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Fact-checkers and official CDC documentation confirm that RT-PCR tests can effectively distinguish between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses.

How claims like this are judged

Judged against fact-checker rulings and reference works: claims of this kind are settled by the fact-checking record, not journal abstracts.

Evidence against · 4

USA Today: Fact check: CDC test doesn't conflate COVID-19 virus with influenza

Recorded source metadata

USA Today: Fact check: CDC test doesn't conflate COVID-19 virus with influenza. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2021/07/29/fact-check-cdc-test-doesnt-conflate-covid-19-virus-influenza/5388263001/

Fact-checker ruling: False

Source citation format

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More against · 3

politifact.com: CDC test can’t differentiate between COVID and the flu? That’s wrong. – Politifact

Recorded source metadata

politifact.com: CDC test can’t differentiate between COVID and the flu? That’s wrong. – Politifact. politifact.com. https://politifact.com/factchecks/2021/jul/30/facebook-posts/cdc-test-cant-differentiate-between-covid-and-flu/

Fact-checker ruling: reviewed

Source citation format

cdc.gov: CDC's Influenza SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex Assay

Recorded source metadata

cdc.gov: CDC's Influenza SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex Assay. cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/php/laboratories/influenza-sars-cov-2-multiplex-assay.html

States the CDC multiplex assay can simultaneously detect and differentiate influenza and SARS-CoV-2.

Source citation format

stacks.cdc.gov: CDC’s Diagnostic Test for COVID-19 Only and Supplies

Recorded source metadata

stacks.cdc.gov: CDC’s Diagnostic Test for COVID-19 Only and Supplies. stacks.cdc.gov. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/108923/cdc_108923_DS1.pdf

Confirms tests exist specifically designed to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 and influenza simultaneously.

Source citation format

The paper trail · every fact has a biography

first checked31 Jul 2026

judged → REFUTED · 031 Jul 2026

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