What human element related to data collection could challenge Pangolin's accuracy?
Errors or incomplete metadata in uploaded sequences
Although specialized software like Pangolin provided sophisticated classification algorithms, its output quality was directly dependent on the quality of the input data provided by sequencing labs globally. A critical factor that could severely hinder the accurate assignment of lineages was the presence of errors within the uploaded genetic sequences or deficiencies in the associated metadata accompanying those sequences. If essential contextual information was missing or flawed, even the most robust classification software would struggle to assign an accurate lineage designation. This scenario underscores that the technological tool itself cannot compensate for shortcomings in the foundational human task of data collection and hygiene.
