RT-PCR test
The COVID-19 RT-PCR Test is a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test for the detection of genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 by collecting nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab specimens from individuals suspected of COVID-19. RT- PCR testing is considered the “gold standard” in detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Rapid antigen test (RAT)
Rapid antigen detection test (RADT) is a diagnostic test that is highly used for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the body by collecting nasopharyngeal swabs from individuals. It detects the presence or absence of an antigen (surface proteins); it is highly used as it provides highly confirmatory positive results
Who need testing?
If you experience any one of the symptoms of corona virus It is advisable to get the antigen and rt pcr done, in accordance with the ICMR guidelines.
The most common Covid-19 symptoms are fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Headache, Chills, disorientation, Muscle or joint discomfort, Loss of taste or smell, Nasal congestion, Conjunctivitis (commonly known as red eyes), Sore throat, Nausea or vomiting, different types of skin rash, or Diarrhea are some of the less common symptoms that may afflict some people.
Irritability, anxiety, depression, diminished consciousness, and sleeping difficulties are some of the mental symptoms that an infected person may experience.
People of all ages should seek medical attention right away if they have a fever and/or a cough that is accompanied by trouble breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, or loss of speech or movement. If at all possible, contact your health care provider, hotline, or health facility first so that you can be directed to the appropriate clinic.
How to get tested?
How are covid-19 samples taken?
SpiceHealth conducts both the rt pcr and antigen testa . The RT-PCR test uses nasopharyngeal swab/ or pharyngeal swabs /throat swab/nasal swab for the identification of virus particles in the patients. The antigen tests are done using nasopharyngeal swab specimens. The Covid 19 test in Delhi is carried out by trained staff with the help of well-equipped kits.
Difference between RT PCR & Rapid Antigen test
RT-PCR test
RT-PCR is a laboratory technique involving reverse transcription (RT) of viral RNA into DNA and then this Complementary DNA is amplified by the help of another technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It helps to detect even a very low concentration of virus at the time by amplification of DNA even when symptoms of the disease are not visible.
HOW DOES A COVID-19 RT-PCR TEST WORK?
Sample collection is done using a swab to collect respiratory material found in your nose. The RT-PCR test uses nasopharyngeal swab/ oropharyngeal swabs/ throat swab/nasal swab for the identification of virus particles in the patients. The test is carried out by trained professionals with the help of an RT-PCR test kit.
After collection, the swab is sealed in a tube and then sent to a covid-19 testing laboratory. It further involves the extraction of genetic material (RNA) of the Covid-19 virus.
The PCR step then uses PCR machine, called a thermal cycler, which amplifies SARS-CoV-2 virus’s genetic material. During this process, one of the probes/ chemicals produces a fluorescent light if SARS-CoV-2 is present in the sample.
HOW DOES RAPID COVID-19 TEST WORKS?
Rapid Covid-19 testing is bringing an alternate testing technology to combat Covid-19. A rapid Antigen test is a diagnostic test. Rapid antigen tests detect antigens that are basically the proteins present on the surface of the virus, and can identify people who are infectious, when virus levels in the body are very high. It could be a game changer in the Covid-19 testing. Antigens are different from antibodies, which is a response to antigens produced by our immune system.
WHY CHOOSE RAPID ANTIGEN TEST?
The Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) plays a significant role in the pandamic. Rapid Covid-19 testing can be a very useful testing procedure that can help us to curb the spread of infection at a higher rate. It proves to be a highly beneficial measure of testing due to a variety of reasons.
Rapid antigen detection test (RADT) is very useful for mass testing. This detection test could identify infectious individuals who could potentially spread the virus to other people. Antigen tests can be put in effect in vast numbers and screening could be done in population wide areas.
Compared to other molecular tests like RT-PCR test, Rapid Antigen Test doesn’t require use of complex equipment and machinery which makes it cost effective.Also, due to a simplified procedure of testing, it generates fast results in just within 30 minutes. Companies like SpiceHealth conducts Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) in Delhi, starting from Rs.150/-.SpiceHealth conducts all the tests under strict medical supervision to provide safe testing experience at affordable pricing.
It reduces the load of relying on just RT-PCR tests to identify Covid-19 patients. Molecular diagnosis like RT-PCR helps to detect even a very low concentration of virus at the time by amplification of DNA through PCR even when symptoms of the disease are not visible. Many companies do not have the resources and technologies to carry out the RT-PCR test as per the requirement. Thus, the Rapid Antigen test plays a very important role to supplement the testing capacity.
It can be implemented very quickly as it requires minimal training. Since an antigen test detects proteins on the surface of the virus called surface antigens, only nasal and throat swabs are used (mostly nasal), the samples are collected in liquid and this liquid is further added to a cartridge and then results are generated within a few minutes. Since it is a point of care test, it can be done by non expert healthcare workers.
Both Antigen and RT-PCR tests are widely used in India. Although the RT- PCR tests methods are considered to be highly accurate, Antigen-based testing on the other hand helps to rapidly identify people who have high levels of virus. Thus, these tests are mostly reliable when people are in the early stages of Covid-19. For an Antigen test; the positive results are completely accurate. However in case of negative results in certain cases, it is often recommended that the rapid antigen test needs to be backed by RT-PCR to completely rule out the possibility of infection.
Conclusion
Both RAT and RT-PCR testing facilities are an important development in the field of medical science. There is no doubt that these testing facilities help us in early detection of coronavirus in the human body and help us prevent its further spread. It is not a hidden fact that RT-PCR test is more accurate than RAT. Because the RAT is less accurate, doctors believe that in some situations, the RAT should be accompanied with RT-PCR to totally eliminate the risk of infection but certain developments in the process of RAT will surely make it as accurate as RT-PCR testing if not more than it.
What is Covid-19?
Corona viruses are a large group of viruses with RNA as a core genetic material .The Corona virus pandemic, also called the COVID-19 pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of corona virus disease 2019 which is caused by SARS-CoV-2 that is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus 2. The virus was initially discovered in Wuhan, China, in December, 2019. This disease was previously known as the ‘2019 novel coronavirus.
How are covid-19 samples taken?
SpiceHealth conducts the RT-PCR test that uses nasopharyngeal swab/ or pharyngeal swabs /throat swab/nasal swab for the identification of virus particles in the patients. The antigen tests are done using nasopharyngeal swab specimens. The Covid 19 test in Delhi is carried out by trained staff with the help of well equipped kits.
What are the symptoms of Covid-19?
The SARS-COV-2 virus has been proven to have long-term impacts on an individual’s health. If a patient exhibits any of the symptoms of the corona virus, such as cold , Dry cough , fever, exhaustion, shortness of breath, Nasal congestion headaches, Loss of taste or smell ,Nasal congestion and Nausea or vomiting, Chills ,dizziness and so on, the Covid-19 test should be performed in accordance with ICMR guidelines. It is also advisable to perform Covid-19 test in case of a travel history.
What should I do if I feel sick?
If you feel sick, see a doctor right away. Book a Covid test immediately. Isolate yourself from other family and Take all the appropriate measures to prevent the risk of getting others infected as well.
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