With the rate of the disease rapidly rising in India, it would be likely that we educate ourselves about the various tests permitted by IAMCR. Here I have compiled all the available tests :-
1. ANTIBODY TEST ✓ Serological test - used to find out the presence of virus in a body.  ✓ Detect the quantity of antibodies to confirm the virus (body produces antibodies in response to the virus attack).  ✓ Advantage: fast and inexpensive      Disadvantage: indirect method of testing 2. RT PCR TEST ✓ One of the most reliable testing method for covid-19. ✓ sample is taken from nasal or throat swab. ✓ Involves extracting of RNA (genetic material of the virus) if the RNA shares the same genetic sequence as the SARS-CoV 2 the patient is deemed to be covid-19 positive. ✓ Health ministry of India has announced RT PCR test as the gold standard frontline test for covid-19. ✓ the test is done using polymerase chain reaction kit ✓ Gives direct evidence of the virus. 3. RAPID ANTIGEN DETECTION TEST ✓ commercially called Standard Q covid-19 Ag detection test. ✓ on the national swap test is conducted to find out antigens that are found on or within SARS CoV 2 virus. ( Antigens: foreign substances that induces an immune response in the body). ✓ point-of-care test - performed outside the conventional setting. ✓ IMCR has allowed the use of rapid antigen detection kit, currently it is produced by the South Korean company SD Biosensor. ✓ If the test shows a positive result it should be considered as true positive and does not need the reconfirmation. ✓ Disadvantage: if person detected negative for rapid antigen test, he/she should again be tested by RT-PCR test. Sources: The Hindu
The Indian Express
Press India Bureau