COVID-19 RT-PCR Test

What is the purpose of COVID-19 PCR tests?

To diagnose an existing COVID-19 infection. It should be done 2-3 days after symptoms start.

What is Rapid antigen Covid test?

A swab is taken from the nose\throat and then mixed with a buffer. It is then put on a card to see whether it is positive or negative. If positive, the person has COVID-19. If negative and symptomatic, a RT-PCR should be done to confirm.

What is the difference between COVID-19 antigen and PCR tests?

Rapid antigen testing is quick and provides results in 20 min. This is useful for large scale screening The advantage is - quick results and you can test large groups at once The disadvantage is the test has low sensitivity and can false Negative test. For this reason, one needs to confirm COVID negative status by performing an RTPCR test COVID RTPCR -is the gold standard for the diagnosis of COVID-19 Infection. The sample is collected from the nose (nasopharynx) and throat(oropharynx) It is a much longer process and requires strict quality controls. The advantage is that it detects multiple genes of the COVID virus and is very sensitive and specific The disadvantage is that it can give a false negative result as the results are dependent on sample collection/ transport/storage A positive result cannot tell if the patient is infectious as it only detects genetic material and cannot tell if there is active viral replication.

RT-PCR vs Rapid Test

Both rapid tests and rapid tests are different kinds of tests that can be used to diagnose COVID-19 in patients. A rapid test takes a few minutes to provide results, while an RT-PCR test takes several hours. RT-PCR is a much more accurate test especially if the person is asymptomatic. A negative rapid test has to be reconfirmed with a RT-PCR test.

What is RT-PCR Test Price?

800 Rupees for Home collection. 600 Rs for Center walkin testing.

Are all Covid-19 PCR tests RT-PCR tests?

Yes most tests are RT-PCR tests. They all belong to the same category which is NAAT Testing.(Nucleic acid amplification testing). The other types of PCR tests are GenXPERT which is classified as a CB-NAAT test.

Which is better for the Covid 19 test the RT PCR or the antigen test?

RT-PCR is the best test for COVID 19, since it is has high specificity and sensitivity.

What is the CT value in RTPCR?

Depends on the lab, type of kit which is used. Guidelines say than any Ct value <35 is to be considered positive.

How much time is required for the RT-PCR test result?

Approximately 12-18 hours.

What does having a positive RT PCR test for COVID 19 mean?

Means you currently have COVID-19 or are recovering from the same. It can remain positive for weeks even after recovery in a small fraction of cases.

If my RTPCR report is positive and I dont have any symptoms what does it mean?

It means you have had a subclinical case of COVID-19 and were asymptomatic. Even symptomatic people after recovering completely can continue to have a positive report for weeks in some cases.