A negative nucleic acid test result is normal, indicating that no virus was detected within the specimen, but it does not prove that the subject must not be infected with the pathogen, because the nucleic acid test result may be falsely negative. Nucleic acid test results are affected by numerous factors, such as irregularities in operation, instrument errors, specimen and reagent quality factors, experimental operation factors, and environmental factors. Viral nucleic acid testing can confirm the patient’s infection status, provide a basis for effective control of infectious diseases, prevent disease transmission, and have great significance for early detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and novel coronaviruses. The number of pathogens in a specimen can be affected by operators who perform specimen collection in an irregular manner and with too small a volume of specimens. Improper handling and storage of nucleic acid test specimens can also cause degradation of viral nucleic acids. Nucleic acid testing requires a high level of experimental technique, and irregularities in operation can lead to a reduction in the rate and purity of nucleic acid extraction. The match between the reagent kit and the experimental instrument also affects the accuracy of the nucleic acid test results. In addition, the temperature and humidity in the environment may also affect the assay results. All of these conditions may contribute to the occurrence of false negative nucleic acid test results. Therefore, a negative nucleic acid test result does not exclude the possibility of infection, but needs to be combined with clinical manifestations and other laboratory tests. If you are at high risk for novel coronavirus pneumonia, it is recommended that you isolate yourself for two weeks and retest your nucleic acid several times during that period to assist in the determination.