The sudden outbreak of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is not only challenging India but the entire world. The contagious infection has already claimed countless lives since last year.  And now the new mutants are baffling the entire nations. This is a tough time for all and the damages are unfortunate. There is a constant reminder by the medical authorities and the government to wear masks, frequent handwash, sanitisation, social distancing and if possible then to stay indoors. By following this, one can surely keep the deadly infection at a bay. However, this time the virus has become airborne and it is tough to trace the infection in the primary and secondary contacts. 

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

With the second wave of Coronavirus gripping, testing is the primary step to get things started. Coronavirus is tested either by running an RT-PCR test or Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). Healthcare professionals in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suits are collecting the samples from the patient either from the nose or throat with a swab.

See Zee Business Live TV Streaming Below:

Who Needs Testing?  

It is advisable to get tested if you have symptoms or encountered the following situations in the 2-3 days. All individuals with symptoms like cold, cough, fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, especially with a recent history of travel should get tested. Also, symptomatic patients, who got in touch with individuals already confirmed with coronavirus infection. Patients suffering from a severe acute respiratory infection. Direct contacts of a confirmed case to get tested within 5 days, even asymptomatic. Similarly, if you are living in highly contained zones, hotspots, even high-rise buildings.  

Difference Between RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Test? 

To date, Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test is considered as one of the most accurate laboratory methods for detecting, tracking, and studying COVID-19 infections. It is also the most recommended test for tracing the symptoms. Real-time RT-PCR is a nuclear-derived method for detecting the presence of specific genetic material in any pathogen, including a virus. Originally, the method used radioactive isotope markers to detect targeted genetic materials, but subsequent refining has led to the replacement of isotopic labelling with special markers, most frequently fluorescent dyes. This technique allows scientists to see the results almost immediately while the process is still ongoing, whereas conventional RT-PCR only provides results at the end of the process.  

This test enables early detection of viral genome in clinical samples. RT-PCR test uses Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase (RT)-PCR Diagnostic Panels for detecting the presence of viral RNA and is quite accurate. The swab samples are analysed for reagents to identify the presence of the virus. This test can detect the virus even before the emergence of symptoms and aid in isolation, preventing the further spread of infection. 

On the other hand, the rapid antigen test comes in handy while detecting patients who are quite symptomatic. It is also done by collecting samples from the nose or throat with a swab. However, the results can be revealed within 30 minutes, this test is not considered accurate, as it may not read into vital proteins that are part of Coronavirus at the initial stages. Also, if your rapid antigen test turns negative, the doctors might recommend you to wait for a couple of days, before confirming the presence of infection.  

It is advised by the health authorities that if you notice the symptoms of COVID-19, then go for an RT-PCR test for better results.