Covid RT PCR Test

The COVID-19 pandemic is still surging, and every time it comes in a highly mutable form. Due to its rapid spread, a number of tests are available to detect the coronavirus infection quickly so that tests can be performed on a large population to limit the transmission and save lives as well.

There are many tests available, such as rapid antibody tests, antigen tests, RT PCR test, and many more, in which RTPCR is also authorized by FAO and FDA, among others. It is one of the most accurate methods of testing in the current situation of an on-growing pandemic, along with some other additional tests to detect the presence of the virus and its other mutable strains. The test can be done on a large population in a limited time frame.

What is a PCR test:

The RT-PCR test stands for a Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction test. It is a molecular diagnostic test that screens the sample collected from the upper respiratory system. The test looks for the presence of genetic material (RNA) of SARS-CoV-2 in the sample. It is a standardised, accurate, and reliable test for the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection.

Respiratory infections related to SARS-CoV2 are usually diagnosed by detecting infection in the blood or nasal swab samples. For this, a rapid test is used, which is known as a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for COVID 19. The RT-PCR (reverse-transcriptase PCR) is a test which is now widely used and developed to tackle coronavirus pandemics worldwide.

The procedure is highly reliable and sensitive for the SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 diagnoses. PCR covid test is authorized by the FDA (U.S) for use in emergency situations. It can be used in pathology labs by a trained person, and at non-healthcare places, the collected sample can give results within a few minutes.

For SARS-CoV-2, saliva samples are acceptable for testing, but person to person, their quality may not remain the same, which can affect test results slightly. And for collecting the samples, the nasal mid-turbinate, nasopharyngeal, or anterior nasal of the upper respiratory region is recommended for the RT PCR test.

Why is a COVID-19 RT-PCR test conducted?

A COVID-19 RT-PCR test is conducted to know if you have been currently affected by the virus. The test is generally recommended to the ones who have symptoms related to the infection or if anyone has come in contact with the person who has been tested positive for the viral infection. Also, there have been cases of asymptomatic COVID-19 infection, that is, not everyone who is infected with the virus gets the symptoms. Thus, the test will help diagnose if you are infected with the virus or not so that you can take the necessary measures to cure it. The test results also help health experts evaluate the spread of the virus and the speed with which it is spreading. You may also require a COVID RT-PCR test if you are travelling to some other place.

What are the symptoms that can lead you to a COVID-19 RT-PCR test?

There are various symptoms of COVID-19 that can lead you to a COVID-19 RT-PCR test. The major symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Confusion
• Tiredness
• Loss of speech or mobility
• Sore throat
• Difficulty in breathing
• Loss of taste or smell
• Chest pain
• Aches and pain
• Discoloration of fingers or toes
• Skin rashes
• Headache
• Irritated or red eyes
• Diarrhoea

How is the COVID-19 RT-PCR test done?

The Covid RT-PCR test is very simple to perform. The test is performed on the sample that is collected from the upper respiratory system. A soft tip on a long flexible stick (known as a swab) is inserted into your nose to collect the nasal specimen from there. The swab is then sealed in a tube and sent to the laboratory, wherein the genetic material is isolated from the sample. The genetic material is then run on the PCR machine along with chemicals and enzymes that increase the amount of targeted genetic material in the extracted sample. One of the chemicals in the PCR machine produces a fluorescent colour as a signal if the viral genetic material is present.

How can I interpret the results of my COVID RT-PCR test?

Interpreting the results of the COVID-19 RT-PCR test is very simple . If the result is positive, then that means you have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus which can be an asymptomatic infection as well. If the result states negative then that means you have not been infected with the virus. 

How can I book a COVID-19 RT-PCR test near me?

Booking a COVID test has been made easy with Redcliffe labs. To avoid chaos and long waiting queues for booking a test, Redcliffe labs provides two ways by which you can book a COVID-19 RT-PCR test from the comfort of your home. You can either book the test online from our official website or can call our centre, where a well-trained and polite staff representative will assist you in your booking process.

Types of tests:

A diagnostic test is used to detect coronavirus infection. If it is positive, the person needs to isolate or quarantine himself or herself completely. Antigen testing detects active and recent infections by checking the nasal or throat swab samples. Antibody testing, on the other hand, detects later infections and is typically performed via finger prick or blood drawn method from the vain of the arm to detect antibodies.

RT PCR test for current infections:

It is a well-established and approved method to detect and quantify all types of viral strains. A PCR test is a quick method of finding viral RNA before the formation of antibodies in the body. Hence, it can easily detect the virus in an early phase before the condition worsens.

The RT PCR test is the best indicator of all types of infection, including suspected cases. On the basis of test results, it becomes easier to isolate the infected people, and they can be quarantined as well. In this way, it becomes easy to break the chain of transmission. With nasopharyngeal swab samples, the test can be done instantly and a clear picture of disease transmission can be seen in the large population within the same time frame.

The RT PCR test is a highly sensitive and accurate way of detecting certain genetic changes or unknown pathogenic infections. In a sample, it can detect either RNA or DNA of a virus.

Everyone has heard about the coronavirus tests, especially RTPCR. So, if someone feels COVID-19 like symptoms, they should immediately contact a nearby government hospital or any mass testing community place and make an informed decision to meet their needs.

Application of the RT PCR test:

The PCR test detects certain infections and is also used to check some cancerous cells.

How to perform the RTPCR test?

A blood sample is taken by using a needle as usual from a vein in the arm and collected in a vial. The whole procedure takes only 5 minutes. 

When taking a sample from a nasal swab, the sample is taken from the front or backside of the nostrils, or from the upper part of the throat or nose (nasopharynx), and sometimes from the anterior nasal swab by tilting the head to the backside. In such a case, the swab is gently inserted inside the nostril, rotated, and left in this place for 10 or 15 seconds. After that, it is inserted into the 2nd nostril in the same way, and the sample is collected for further testing.

Types of samples:

• Saliva sample: It is taken in a vial by spitting into it.
• Swab sample: It is taken from the throat or nose by using a swab.
• Blood sample: it is done as usual by using a needle and taking blood from the vein of an arm.

No special preparation is required for the RT PCR test .

Risk of RTPCR test :

It is the most effective test for diagnosing many infectious illnesses, which also include Ebola and coronavirus infection. The test is very effective to help detect the virus way before the symptoms appear, which is why it plays an important role in the prevention of disease spread.

Except for minor bruising and pain at the site where blood is drawn, the RT-PCR test poses almost no risk. And in the case of the nasal swabs, some tickling may occur that further may cause coughing. All these effects happen for a short time.

When to Get Tested?

You should get the test done if:

• Even after vaccination, if you are feeling COVID-l 19 like symptoms,
• If you were in close contact with a person who was confirmed to be COVID-19 positive,
• If you were a part of a large gathering during the time of the outbreak and surge,
• If you are living in crowded and less spacious settings during the time of the COVID-19 surge,
• If you have recently travelled to a pandemic-risk country or place,

Quarantine yourself until the test results come in and strictly follow the doctor’s advice. 

A wide range of testing:

The coronavirus related tests are made to check for wide infections, including alpha, delta, and omicron variants. All the viruses mutate or change over time, giving rise to different variants. As a result, no specific coronavirus tests are available to test and report on each variant. 

Health agencies and higher authorities use it to check the viral strains by conducting genomic sequence testing to confirm the circulating viral strain. All the authorized tests have a minimum effect on the test performance whenever a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 arrives.

Ordering an RTPCR test near me:

At-home COVID-19 tests require a doctor's prescription because a health care professional determines the need to recommend an RTPCR test based on the suspected symptoms and patient's condition. 

But in case of an emergency, you can order the test online through the "Redcliffe Labs" website and the displayed contact numbers. The company has diagnostic centres all around and offers instant services. You can also WhatsApp all the required documents for a home visit sample collection.

If the test report shows a negative result, it means there is no SARS-CoV-2 virus and a positive result means the person is more likely to have COVID-19 infection. However, in both cases, distancing, wearing a mask, and hand sanitization is necessary to prevent the transmission risk of the disease.