If you took a COVID-19 PCR test, there's a chance your swab may have been sent to scientists around the globe for genomic sequencing analysis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
In a tweet, the CDC said five to 10 percent of COVID PCR tests are sent to labs for mapping "genomic sequencing." Genomic sequencing is a process used to analyze the genetic makeup of viruses. However, the announcement made by the CDC has sparked human DNA privacy questions.
Remember that #COVID19 nose swab test you took? What happened to the swab? If it was processed with a PCR test, there’s a 10% chance that it ended up in a lab for genomic sequencing analysis. Learn more about the process and its importance: https://t.co/XAHSGANLxu @WIRED @CDC_AMD
— CDC (@CDCgov) February 16, 2022
"Its' [PCR tests] being used by scientists all around the world to track the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants," the CDC said in the video.
People took to Twitter Wednesday questioning the CDC's motives, alleging that people's DNA is being taken without consent.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) wrote on Twitter, "Did the @CDCgov get permission from people to take their DNA???"
Did the @CDCgov get permission from people to take their DNA??? https://t.co/vuD10F9AyK
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) February 16, 2022
Another person alleged that conspiracy theories surrounding government DNA harvesting are true.
"OMG they're admitting they stole your DNA using the nose swabs & it's now being used in labs to study genome sequencing," @USRising1776 wrote on Twitter. "Yet another "conspiracy theory" that was 1000% true. Class-action lawsuit there for the taking of labs using your genes without your consent or compensation."
OMG they're admitting they stole your DNA using the nose swabs & it's now being used in labs to study genome sequencing.
— US Rebel (@USRising1776) February 16, 2022
Yet another "CoNsPiRaCy ThEoRy" that was 1000% true.
Class-action lawsuit there for the taking of labs using your genes without your consent or compensation. https://t.co/3d3vm6pjN7
However, people are misunderstanding, says professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition at Harvard Albert Ascherio. In this case, scientists are analyzing the sequencing of the COVID-19 virus for variants like Delta and Omicron. Sequences from collected tests can be compared to help scientists track the spread of a virus, how it is changing, and how those changes may affect public health.
