During the coronavirus pandemic, many medical terms, such as RT-PCR, antibody test, and antigen test, came into focus. There are different testing methods, and all the countries are experimenting to trace coronavirus. Rt-PCR (Reverse Transcription- Polymerase Chain Reaction) is the frontline test for Covid-19.
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Get A Second OpinionThe samples are collected deep inside the nose and the back of your throat with a swab. The sample goes through a chemical solution where proteins and fats are removed and left with only RNA. The sample is sent to a laboratory to analyze and detect the virus. This test can also detect the virus in an asymptomatic person; there is less chance of getting a false result.
The exact time that the RT-PCR test report will take to deliver is 3 hours, and the maximum time they will take is 24 hours.
A high number of viral particles can be found in the respiratory tract during the first week of onset of symptoms.
According to the doctor's advice, the patients should go for a test as soon as the symptoms are shown. If the person tested positive for Coronavirus, they should be isolated, and the persons who contacted him should be quarantined.
Covid antibody test involves collecting blood samples from the hand. The blood is then examined by two types of antibodies: IgM antibodies which show the presence in an earlier stage and IgG antibodies which show later in a body.
The covid-19 test results will come in 20-30 mins and also is a low expensive procedure.
The antigen test is designed to identify the presence of the virus in the body, rather than the antibodies.
The samples are collected from the Nasal which is found in SARS- CoV-2 virus. This test is performed outside the conventional laboratory setting.
This test is commonly used for knowing if a person has tuberculosis and HIV. The principle is the same as RT-PCR, but it has a smaller kit, and the result is produced faster. ICMR confirmed this test for screening and confirming COVID-19.
The TruNat machine is based on small and portable chips, and also runs on batteries. The virus has been detected in Nasal or Oral Swabs.
The TruNat result will be provided in 60 minutes.
| RT- PCR | ANTIGEN TEST | ANTIBODY TEST | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Also known as | Diagnostic test, Molecular test, Viral test | Rapid diagnostic test | Serology blood test, Serology test |
| Sample collection | Nasal and throat swab test | Nasal and throat swab test | Blood sample |
| Covid-19 test reports | 24 hours | One hour | 30 mins |
| Need for second re-test | The test shows an accurate result | Positive results are accurate, For negative test go for Re-test | The second test is required for an accurate result |
| Test result | Diagnoses coronavirus infection | Diagnoses coronavirus infection | Shows the past result |
If a person is diagnosed with COVID-19, then he is infected with active infections. Some effective steps to be taken to avoid the spread of Covid-19:
The person is not affected by the COVID-19 virus but should follow the COVID-19 norms and guidelines. Follow some important guidelines like social distancing, wearing masks and hand washing. If it continues to show some symptoms, the Doctor will advise you to take a retest.
If a person is showing some symptoms of COVID-19 can consult a Doctor and take the Covid test at Home. Mostly, if the Doctor suspects you to be infected with COVID-19, he will advise you to stay at Home, and the health care personnel will visit your house to take the samples. You will be suggested to go through two kinds of tests, i.e., RT-PCR and Antibody test. In RT-PCR, the sample will be collected from the Nose and Throat, and in the Antibody test, your blood sample will be collected. After collecting the samples, they will be taken to the laboratory where they will be examined, and the Covid test report will be sent to you within 24 hours.
Asymptomatic persons who do not have any symptoms but sometimes may test positive for COVID-19 can visit a hospital. During their visit to the Hospital, the Doctor will advise them to go for an Antibody test where their blood sample would be collected.
If they get tested for COVID-19, they will be advised to take the RT-PCR test, where the sample will be collected from the Nose and throat. If they get confirmed for Covid-19, they will be notified to follow the Covid norms and are asked to self-isolate themselves.
Persons with some common symptoms like fever, dry cough, tiredness, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and body aches and pains can go for a COVID-19 test. Some people who are asymptomatic, i.e., do not show any symptoms, can also take a Covid-19 test.
Mainly, the virus incubation period is 5-7 days, but sometimes it can be up to 14 days. They will ask you to go through at least two kinds of tests i.e., RT-PCR and Antibody tests. Also, the person who has been exposed to the virus and has close contact with the confirmed Covid-19 case can take a Covid-19 test.
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Book an AppointmentIn a diagnostic test, all the samples are collected from the nose and throat using swabs. The healthcare person will swab the back of the nasal cavity through the nostril to collect the sample. In the same way, the healthcare person will swab the back of your throat to collect the entire sample. This method is known as RT-PCR. Also, sometimes antibody tests are preferred by Doctors to collect the blood sample.
In this Coronavirus pandemic, the doctor has advised three types of tests:
There is a chance that a person with no symptoms, i.e., an asymptomatic person, can also get positive for Coronavirus. Mainly, the virus incubation period is 5-7 days, but sometimes it can be up to 14 days.
