Page 48 - seniors today november 2020

available tests is provided below: diagnostic tool for tuberculosis. TrueNat
1 Reverse Transcription - Polymerase
Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
The RT–PCR is a nucleic acid-derived
method used to detect the presence of specific the nose or throat with a swab. TrueNat
genetic material in any pathogen, including a
virus.
Sampling for RT-PCR test
RT-PCR Machine. Picture: Becton, Dickinson and Company
RT-PCR is also a gold standard test to
detect active SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here,
a swab is inserted deep in the nose or back
of the throat, usually the former. It takes
around 4- 8 hours in general to obtain
test results. . The sensitivity of the test is
around 60-80% whereas the specificity is
90-95%.
TrueNat/CBNAAT (Cartridge-based
Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) is one
type of rapid PCR testing.
TrueNat is a chip-based, portable RT-PCR
machine, originally developed as a portable
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has been validated by the Indian Council
of Medical Research (ICMR) for Covid
tests. Here again the sample is taken from
can return results faster than the standard
RT-PCR tests; results may take less than 60
minutes. The sensitivity of the test is lower
compared to the RT-PCR test at 50-80%
while the specificity is still at 90-95%.
TrueNat machine
2 Rapid Antigen Test
This test is aimed at detecting the virus
antigen; that means this test detects the
current infection. It can be used at the
point-of-care. Nasal samples are collected
and the results are interpreted in less than
30 minutes. This has been approved by
ICMR for use in containment zones and
healthcare settings. Sensitivity is around
50-84% and it has a high specificity above
99%. 3 Serology (IgM and IgG Antibody
test)
Rapid antigen test kit. Picture: Roche