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Coronavirus Covid -19 test- RT PCR

Also referred as

RT-PCR technique

SARS-CoV-2

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The Coronavirus Covid -19 test- RT PCR examination aids in the identification of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It employs the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technique, which involves obtaining a nasal or throat swab. RT-PCR is the most dependable and precise test (considered the gold standard) for promptly detecting and initiating appropriate treatment for COVID-19.

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Nasal Swab & Throat Swab

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Understanding Coronavirus Covid -19 test- RT PCR

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus (also called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)). The most common symptoms of COVID-19 infection are fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, breathing difficulty, nasal congestion, and diarrhea, among others. If you have one or more of these symptoms, have traveled to areas where COVID-19 prevalence is high, or have been in contact with a COVID-positive person, you should book this test.

The Coronavirus Covid -19 test- RT PCR test uses a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique that helps detect the presence of the virus's genetic material in the tested sample (usually collected from the throat or nasal cavity using a swab).

For COVID-19 RT PCR, individuals are required to keep a softcopy or hardcopy of their COVID-19 vaccination certificate ready during sample collection. However, failure to provide this certificate may lead to cancellation or rescheduling of the sample collection. Also, the test report might get cancelled/delayed if the vaccination certificate is not provided within 12 hours of sample collection. The COVID-19 vaccination certificate can be easily obtained through the Aarogya Setu app using the registered mobile number.

Additionally, a valid Government ID card (preferably Aadhar Card) is mandatory at the time of sample collection. If the address on the ID does not match the current or sample collection address, individuals must either provide a hardcopy of an address proof for the current address/sample collection address or submit a self-declaration and consent specifying the duration of their stay at the current or sample collection address.

If tested positive, do not panic; self-isolate and get the appropriate treatment. Most people have mild illnesses and can get better safely at home without needing hospitalization. However, contact your doctor if the symptoms worsen or if you have questions or concerns. A negative test result means the absence of an active infection during sample collection. In such a case, continue to take measures to protect yourself and others from getting COVID-19.

What does Coronavirus Covid -19 test- RT PCR measure?

The Coronavirus Covid -19 test- RT PCR test is an ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) approved test that helps to identify coronavirus infection by detecting the presence of the genetic material of the virus (SARS-CoV-2) in the body. This test uses a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) method, the gold standard for detecting the presence of viruses.

A positive test result means the presence of an active COVID-19 infection. If you test positive, stay home, separate yourself from others, and keep in touch with your doctor. A negative test result indicates an absence of an active infection at the time of sample collection. However, it doesn't mean you are safe at any time. You can get infected with COVID-19 and spread the virus to others any time after testing. Continue to take measures to protect yourself and others from getting the infection.

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FAQs related to Coronavirus Covid -19 test- RT PCR in Gurgaon

What is the full form of the COVID-19 RT PCR test?

COVID-19 is an acronym that stands for coronavirus disease of 2019, and the full form of RT-PCR is reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction which is a testing method used to diagnose COVID-19.

What is the duration between being infected with COVID-19 and testing positive for it?

The time taken for someone to test positive for COVID-19 after infection can vary. Generally, the virus can be detected in the body within a few days to a few weeks after exposure. Some people may test positive even after recovery from COVID-19; this can be due to the presence of residual viral load in the body.

How is the COVID-19 RT PCR test performed?

A healthcare professional will collect a sample, usually through a nasal or throat swab, which is then sent to the laboratory for analysis. The process is fairly easy, but you might experience some itching and irritation at the time of sample collection.

How accurate is the COVID-19 RT PCR test?

The COVID-19 RT PCR test is considered the most accurate test for detecting COVID-19 with high sensitivity and specificity. However, the accuracy of the test may depend on the timing of the test and the quality of the sample collected.

What is the difference between the COVID-19 RT PCR test and an antigen test for COVID-19?

The COVID-19 RT PCR test detects the presence of genetic material (RNA) from the COVID-19 virus, whereas the antigen test for COVID-19 detects the proteins (antigens) from the virus. Both these tests help detect COVID-19 infection.

How do I interpret my COVID-19 RT PCR test report?

A negative result indicates that you do not have COVID-19 disease, whereas a positive test result indicates that your body has been infected with the coronavirus. However, sometimes the results can be false-positive too. In such a case, your doctor may ask for a repeat testing.

Can I use a COVID-19 test kit at home?

Yes, there are a variety of self-use COVID-19 test kits available in the market. The most commonly used are the COVID-19 Real-Time PCR detection kit and the COVID-19 antigen detection kit. The contents of the kit can vary depending on the brand but generally, it includes testing directions, sample collection containers, nasal swabs, and test solutions.

Which COVID-19 vaccines are recommended by the WHO?

Some of the COVID-19 vaccines recommended by the WHO are inactivated or weakened virus vaccines, i.e., Sinovac-Coronavac, Sinopharm, Bharat, and Valneva; protein-based vaccines, i.e., Novavax or Covishield; viral vector vaccines created by AstraZeneca/Oxford, Janssen, and CanSino; and RNA and DNA vaccines by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna.

Which COVID-19 vaccines are developed by India?

Covaxin by Bharat Biotech is the indigenous vaccine developed by India.

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Last Updated

6th Oct 2025