RT-PCR COVID-19 Test

Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is critical for tracking the virus, understanding the epidemiology, informing the case management, suppressing transmission and for containing the infection.

Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) test

The virus can be detected using Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase (RT)-PCR test (recommended by WHO), which can quickly tell if someone harbors the virus (4 to 6 hours).
Recommended samples for RT-PCR: Nasopharyngeal or Throat or Nasal swabs, Sputum, lower respiratory tract aspirates, Bronchoalveolar lavage and Nasopharyngeal wash/aspirate or nasal aspirate.
Samples must be collected and tested from individuals who meet COVID-19.
Clinical and/or epidemiological criteria, listed below:

• Clinical signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection,
• Contact with a probable or confirmed COVID-19 case,
• History of travel to geographic locations where COVID-19 cases were detected, or other epidemiological links for which COVID-19 testing may be indicated

Pros

• Gold standard for diagnosis
• High sensitivity and specificity

Cons

• Turn around Time is 3-4 hours
• Requires trained technicians
• Requires expensive equipment and infrastructure
• Complicated operation (suited to large centralized diagnostic laboratories)
• Prone to False Negatives (due to low viral loads)