A rapid test to diagnose swine flu is often wrong… that’s according to Atlanta based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It’s the first government study of how well the rapid tests work.

Scientists looked at the product from three companies and found at least half of the time they’re inaccurate. And that they’re better at diagnosing seasonal flu.

In the event a test comes back negative… the CDC recommends doctors order a more precise lab test and in the meantime prescribe medicines like Tamiflu.

Tags: Atlanta, swine flu, CDC, tests, seasonal flu, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention