As the surge in COVID-19 cases in India continues, the general public must educate themselves about the prescribed tests, scans and biomarker findings. Considering the raging COVID-19 pandemic, doctors aim to treat mild to moderate cases without the need to hospitalize the patient.
Mild COVID-19 symptoms can be fever, dry cough, headache, loss of taste and smell with oxygen levels in COVID patients more than 95%. As the oxygen level falls, they are more likely to become be hospitalised. Before that, let us know more about COVID testing in India. The most reliable and researched test is the RT-PCR COVID test to diagnose whether the patient is positive or negative for coronavirus.
Real-time reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a qualitative test to detect the presence of coronavirus in a person’s respiratory tract. The test involves collecting nasopharyngeal (nose) or oropharyngeal (throat) swabs from COVID-19 suspected people. RT-PCR is an advanced tool to amplify a selected nucleic acid fragment (sample) and detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA, the coronavirus.
One can get access to this test via in-home or in-lab services. While laboratory testing requires a visit, COVID testing at home is an easy method that eliminates the transportation hassle. A testing certified person will come from a registered laboratory to collect your sample and take it back to the lab for testing. It takes a maximum of 48 hours to deliver results and one can access their COVID-19 report online. It is available at both government and private hospitals or laboratories, where the cost varies from INR 700-1800, subjective to the state and the private lab.
The CT value in RT-PCR is different from the CT scan. What is the meaning of CT value in RT-PCR? CT indicates the cycle threshold. It is the number of cycles the process completed to detect the virus in the sample. As a result, a low CT value (17-24) indicates a high viral load and a high CT (more than 25) indicates a low viral load.
RTPCR helps in detection of COVID virus in body and is Gold standard for diagnosis of COVID, CT only helps in assessing the extent of lung damage by COVID and does not detect COVID.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
CT scan for COVID-19 is being misused for mild detection purposes. The harmful rays of CT match to about 200-300 X-rays. Renowned doctors have urged the public not to go for unnecessary CT scans for a mild COVID infection.
Let us understand CT scan as a vital diagnostic tool for critical COVID cases currently. CT scan is an abbreviation for Computed Tomography Scan. A CT scan is simply a detailed version of an X-ray. It is capable of better understanding blood vessels and soft tissues. The COVID CT scan is a chest scan to check the conditions of your lungs and other parts of the respiratory tract. Can CT a scan help detect COVID? The most common finding in patients with severe COVID-19 is the ground glass pattern in their chest CT scan. This pattern is easy to identify through the following features:
Only those patients whose doctors have prescribed it or when oxygen saturation is below 90-92% or experience breathing difficulty should go for a CT scan for COVID- 19 severity check. Chest CT scans can help detect the severity or improvement of infection. One can access their CT scan report for COVID online within a few hours only for INR 2000-5000 subjective to the private lab.
RT PCR being a molecular test is more sensitive and accurate at detecting viral infections such as COVID-19 and Ebola. A combination of CT scan and RT PCR is more accurate than either of these tests alone for covid.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
CT scan is not an advised test by doctors to ‘detect’ COVID-19 in the mild infection stage. Both of the tests are important in their field of action. One requires RT-PCR to detect COVID-19 and CT scan to detect if progressive pneumonia is present. A CT scan is useful when the infection has spread to the lungs and detection by nose or oral swabs is not possible. A CT scan is advised when a person’s oxygen level goes below 92% or indicates serious COVID-19 symptoms.
RT-PCR tests are a safer choice than CT scanning. It saves the person from additional radiation and can be done in the comfort of their home. It reduces the interaction and exposure with other suspected COVID cases. But this test is incapable of detecting the infection if it has reached the lungs and is causing further complications.
Most important of all, consult your physician about your coronavirus symptoms. Ensure to get tested and follow-up for any tests they prescribe/recommend based on your condition.
So which one of these two wins? Both RT-PCR and CT scan have their pros and cons. If you witness any unusual symptoms like dry cough, mild fever and a slight headache, best consult your doctor and get yourself tested by RT-PCR. Learn the basics of your COVID report:
Doctors now do not wait for the results to arrive due to the testing load on labs. It is best to begin the treatment protocol from the first day of symptoms after consulting your doctor. The clinical value of chest CT can indicate the severity and progression of infection in the lungs. Due to its high sensitivity, the diagnostic tool will be used as a primary screening tool for critical COVID cases. COVID-19 cases in India today are nowhere near a safe range for those unaffected or not vaccinated. Research has shown that immunocompromised individuals are at a higher risk of contracting the infection. It is best to stay indoors and prevent infection.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
By now we all have heard about the COVID-19 RT-PCR test. The second wave of COVID has struck and this time, more people are contracting it than the first wave. Mumbai has witnessed one of the highest infection rates in the country. That is why people of the city need to save the information pertaining to the COVID-19 RT-PCR home sample collection so that if the need arises, no time will be wasted trying to book a test.
Registration is simple and will just take a couple of minutes. Just fill in the suspected COVID patient’s name, phone number, your preferred sample collection date, Pincode and Aadhar card number.
Click here to get the form and book a test now.
The test costs INR 800 and you will receive the report within 48 hours.
Phlebotomists are the experts who collect samples and perform COVID-19 RT-PCR tests.
Safety precautions taken by their phlebotomists are –
A phlebotomist will arrive at your place and collect the sample for the COVID-19 RT-PCR test. The home collection of the sample can be very beneficial when the patient is experiencing intense COVID symptoms and cannot travel to a sample collection centre.
The home sample collection also mitigates the risk of being exposed to other people who might have contracted COVID.
Share this form with all your friends and acquaintances. Anyone might need to book a test at any minute.
RT-PCR stands for a Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction. The virus leaves its RNS in your nose and throat mucous. This test can find traces of virus RNA.
If you suspect that you have been exposed to COVID or experience the following symptoms, consider getting tested –
If even one of these symptoms shows up, have a word with your doctor.
If you want, you can also get tested at your nearest walk-in COVID test centre in Mumbai. Here is a full list of walk-in centres in Mumbai.
Do exercise caution and restraint. Only go out when absolutely urgent. Wear a double mask and sanitize your hands. Book a test or travel to your nearest COVID-19 RT-PCR Test centre the moment COVID symptoms manifest.
Are you not feeling well? Book your test now.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
We are in the midst of the second wave of COVID-19 and thousands of people are getting infected every day. Naturally, people are worried and stressed. In this circumstance, here’s something for Mumbaikers and Delhiites to help prepare for and deal with a COVID-19 infection in the family. The first thing you need to know is where you can get tested if you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. That is why we have put together a list of centres where you can walk in and get tested for COVID-19.
These centres are operating every day of the week and anyone can come in to get tested for COVID-19 for Rs.600 and get a report within 36 hours. No prior registration is required. Here are all the details –
| Centre | Address | Collection hours | Maps Location |
| Nilkanth Medicos, Malad East | Shop No. B-1, Sunshine CHS, Subhash Lane, CTS 416, Near Vaishno Devi Mandir, Malad East, Mumbai 400097 | Monday – Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM | https://g.page/nilkanth-medico?share |
| Treebo Trend Olive Inn, Kurla | Fortune Arcade, Near EQUINOX Business Park / Bus depot CST, No. 27-A, Lal Bahadur Shastri Rd, Kurla West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400070 | Monday – Sunday: 9 AM – 3:30 PM | https://goo.gl/maps/ood8ZyBcgBLxJP8K7 |
| Treebo Trend Amber International, Andheri East | S11 JN Marshall Building Near Akruti Orchid Park, Saki Naka, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400072 | Monday – Sunday: 9 AM – 3:30 PM | https://goo.gl/maps/6gRyms5mFvWf53Zz8 |
| Treebo Trend Shri Krishna Paradise, Airoli | No.X-1/2, Near Vitava , T.T.C. Industrial Area, Ganpati Pada Near Vitava Kalwa, Octroi Naka, Thane – Belapur Rd, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400605 | Monday – Sunday: 9 AM – 3:30 PM | https://g.page/srikrishna-paradise-hotel?share |
These centres are operating every day of the week and anyone can come in to take the COVID-19 RT-PCR test for Rs.800 only and get a report of the same within 36 to 48 hours. No prior registration is required. Here are all the details –
| Centre | Address | Collection hours | Maps Location |
| Treebo Trend Natraj Yes Please, Paharganj | 1750, Chuna Mandi, Opposite Imperial Cinema, Pahar Ganj, Delhi 110055, New Delhi, Delhi – 110055 | Mon- Sun 12 PM – 6 PM | https://goo.gl/maps/JhrpRARrWaEmGrEN9 |
| Treebo Trend Nysha Palace, Mahipalpur | A206 / B, Road No. 4, Lane No.9, Mahipalpur, Delhi – 110037 | Mon- Sun 12 PM – 6 PM | https://goo.gl/maps/PtSVAJ6k4EbooJqq7 |
Share this with your friends and relatives now! Anyone in need can go through this vital information and get tested without any hassle.
Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test can detect coronavirus viral RNA in our mucus membrane. When the coronavirus enters the body, it leaves traces of its RNA in the mucus of the nose and throat. Samples of this mucus are collected and analysed to see if the person has COVID-19.
COVID-19 RT-PCR test is recommended when a person experiences the symptoms of COVID-19. New and old symptoms include –
Speak with your doctor and act according to his/her instructions.
If the person suspected to have contracted COVID-19 is feeling too unwell or weak, you can book a home sample collection. Click here to get your online booking form for getting tested in Mumbai.
Stay home to stay safe. Wear double masks when you have to go out, use your hand sanitiser frequently and maintain social distancing. Follow the COVID-19 protocol and save this information in case you or your loved ones need it.
Keep your health in your own hands.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
