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Detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR test: factors influencing interpretation of results.
Munne, Kiran; Bhanothu, Venkanna; Bhor, Vikrant; Patel, Vainav; Mahale, Smita D; Pande, Shailesh.
  • Munne K; Department of Clinical Research, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012 India.
  • Bhanothu V; Genetic Research Centre, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012 India.
  • Bhor V; Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012 India.
  • Patel V; Department of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012 India.
  • Mahale SD; ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012 India.
  • Pande S; Genetic Research Centre, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012 India.
Virusdisease ; 32(2): 187-189, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1220581
ABSTRACT
In this current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), prompt interventions in terms of early detection and clinical management along with isolation of positive cases is of utmost importance. This helps to limit not only the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections but also the morbidity and mortality associated with it. Different strategies for screening of COVID-19 in containment zones and non-containment areas include testing of symptomatic patients and their contacts in fever clinics, hospital-based testing, testing on demand and population-based screening. The choice of tests like reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), rapid antigen testing (RAT) or antibody test depends upon these strategies and also the turnaround time. Currently, RT-PCR is considered the gold standard for COVID-19 detection. This commentary provides the insights and experiences on COVID-19 diagnosis by RT-PCR. The utility of this test is limited by several false positive, false negative and inconclusive results at early stages of infection, scarcity of reagents and lack of well-equipped labs including trained staff. Moreover, appropriate sample collection and transport, standard laboratory protocols, stringent quality control norms, good quality RNA extraction kits, PCR kits with suitable primers can help in improving accuracy of the test results. A careful assessment of clinical, radiological and molecular findings is required for identifying potential cases of COVID-19.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Diagnostic study / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Language: English Journal: Virusdisease Year: 2021 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Diagnostic study / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Language: English Journal: Virusdisease Year: 2021 Document Type: Article