About the COVID-19 RT PCR Tests

At the time of worldwide spread of Covid Pandemic, WeCare Healthcare SARL have come forward to take up the challenge by bringing the technology and required clinical expertise for medical set-up, necessary for timely screening and diagnosing of the Covid-19 patients.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Owing to the current coronavirus pandemic RT-PCR a medical terminology has come into focus. An RT-PCR test is a laboratory test that combines reverse transcription of RNA into DNA for the detection of the virus. RT-PCR test is the most preferred test for COVID-19; however, this test is time-consuming and costly as it has an elaborate kit. An RT-PCR test uses nose or throat swabs for the detection of viruses. Also, only trained professionals who are instructed for the use of the RT-PCR kit can carry out the RT-PCR test. RT-PCR requires a full set-up that includes the trained practitioners, laboratory, and RT-PCR machine for detection and analysis.

The COVID-19 real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests the upper and lower respiratory specimens such as swabs, sputum, nasopharyngeal, and others of the patients suspected with COVID-19. Nasal or throat swabs of an individual are collected under the observation of a healthcare practitioner or a self-collection kit can also be used that is commercially approved for use of this test.

This test includes the extraction of ribonucleic acid (RNA) a genetic material of the COVID-19 virus. The test analyzes the genetic sequences such as the SARS-COV-2 virus and then the results are positive. The test results are negative when the sample analyzed does not contain the virus or the sample is not administered properly. RT-PCR test is expensive, as it requires trained professionals, RNA extraction machines, and a laboratory. A minimum of four hours is required to get the RT-PCR test results and gauge the extent of infection in an individual.

Real-time RT-PCR stands for Real-Time Reverse Transcription – Polymerase Chain. Reaction enables detection and presence of specific genetic material in the pathogens that include viruses or bacteria. The method utilizes radioactive isotope markers for the detection of targeted genetic materials; however, with advancements, the isotopic labeling is replaced with special markers such as fluorescent dyes. This technique enables professionals to review the results immediately. Real-time RT-PCR is one of the widely used methods for the detection of COVID-19. This method also helps in increasing the testing volume to meet the increasing number of sample pools.

RT-PCR has two protocols, a one-step protocol and a two-step protocol –

In one-step protocol the RT and PCR components are mixed in a single tube simultaneously The one-step protocol works well for amplifying targets that are reasonably abundant. Also, there is less variation as both reactions take place in the same tube. In addition, the one-step protocol is suitable for high throughput screening.

The two-step protocol includes – first reverse transcription and then the PCR. In a two-step protocol a stable c-DNA pool is generated which can be stored for longer periods and can be used for multiple reactions. The two-step method is more sensitive than the one-step method and yields better results of the rare targets and is a flexible priming option.
How can I opt for home sample collection?

The regulatory authorities such as Food & Drug Association have approved and supports the testing of COVID-19 at home or other non-laboratory settings such as schools, offices, and others provided that the place should support consumer safety and test accuracy. Home sample collection can be done if the patient is not able to visit the laboratory or has opted for self-isolation or have been diagnosed with certain symptoms of the virus. To get self-tested, you can request the laboratory professionals to visit your home and get the samples collected for further analysis. Thus, considering your health status and risk associated with visiting a healthcare setup you can opt for home sample collection.

According to the health experts, RT-PCR tests are more accurate compared to other tests such as the antigen and antibody tests. As the test analyzes the genetic sequences such as the SARS-COV-2 virus and then determines the results. However, the test results of an RT-PCR test is not completely accurate or perfect. In a large sample size, the test can detect some false-negative patients due to laboratory error or insufficient sample size from the patient.

Also, another issue with these tests can be faulty reagents. The vendors are working on strict guidelines to maintain the quality of the reagents and the kits. Thus, if the RT-PCR test results of a patient are negative and there are some symptoms of the virus identified then the healthcare professionals can make use of other tests such as a CT scan for confirmation.

If you are tested positive for COVID then you don’t necessarily have to check into a medical center. You can isolate yourself at your home. But you will need to connect with an appropriate health-care service. You can take the medication the doctors prescribe until your symptoms completely resolve or remain persistent for time being. If the symptoms exacerbate, then you might need to get hospitalized. The only reason why people ask you not to go to the hospital immediately is that you may have a mild case that can easily be resolved by sheltering-in-place

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