Covid-19 RTPCR Test (Coronavirus SARS - CoV2)

The COVID-19 RT-PCR test is a laboratory test used to diagnose COVID-19 infection in people affected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The test uses swabs from the nose and throat to detect the presence of the virus. The RT-PCR test relies on a tiny amount of the virus’s genetic material in a sample and hence is considered a gold standard for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Why is the COVID-19 RT-PCR test prescribed?

The COVID-19 RT-PCR test is prescribed to people who may show signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection. If you have any of the following symptoms, you may be required to go through the RT-PCR test.

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Breathing difficulty
• Fatigue
• Muscle ache
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Diarrhoea
• Sudden loss of taste or smell

Everyone with COVID-19 may not develop symptoms. Some people may remain asymptomatic. If you do develop symptoms of COVID-19 infection, you need not experience all the above symptoms.

Other Names of Covid-19 RT-PCR Test

• Coronavirus RT-PCR test
• COVID-RTPCR test
• COVID-19 PCR test
• RT-PCR test

What does the COVID-19 RT-PCR test measure?

The COVID-19 RT-PCR test measures the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in your body. With the help of this test, you can diagnose COVID-19 infection. The coronavirus is usually present in your upper respiratory tract. The PCR technology amplifies even small amounts of RNA into DNA. This format gets replicated until the SARS-CoV-2 virus is detected. The COVID-19 RT-PCR test is considered the gold-standard test for diagnosing COVID-19 infection since February 2020.

Who is the COVID-19 RT-PCR test prescribed for?

The COVID-19 RT-PCR test is prescribed for the following individuals:

• All symptomatic individuals with influenza-like illness who have travelled internationally in the last 14 days.
• All symptomatic contacts of people with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infected cases.
• All individuals suffering from Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI), Pneumonia or pleural effusion, etc.
• All symptomatic individuals who are frontline workers or healthcare workers, or those involved in the containment and treatment of COVID-19 infection.
• Asymptomatic individuals who have high-risk contacts of confirmed COVID-19 infection cases.
• All symptomatic individuals who are living in the containment zones.
• All migrants or returns who are symptomatic within seven days of illness.
• All hospitalised individuals with influenza-like symptoms.

The COVID-19 RT-PCR test is done by taking a Throat swab and a Nasal swab. The test uses a cotton swab to take the samples from your nose and throat. These swabs are transported to the RT-PCR testing centre in the Viral transport medium (VTM).

Test Preparation

The COVID-19 RT-PCR test takes a sample of your throat and nasal swab to detect the Novel Coronavirus.

A. Before the COVID-19 RT-PCR test

This test does not require any preparation before the test. Inform your physician if you have any symptoms or if you have come in contact with a COVID-19 positive person.

B. During the COVID-19 RT-PCR test

The technician will take a cotton swab and collect the samples from your nose and throat. You need to stand/sit still without moving too much during the COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

C. After the COVID-19 RT-PCR test

There are no restrictions after you have given your swab sample. Continue with your routine as usual.

Note: In India, a Government ID to support the current address and contact number of the suspected patient should be collected at the time of sample collection.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included in the COVID-19 RT-PCR test?

The Covid-19 RT-PCR test report detects the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in your upper respiratory tract.

COVID-19 RT-PCR test results show the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in your upper respiratory tract. It gives the results in the form of positive and negative reports.

A COVID-19 RT-PCR test positive report means that you have an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. You may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. But if you show symptoms, then you have COVID-19 infection. Most people have a mild form of the illness and recover safely by isolating themselves at home.

A COVID-19 RT-PCR test negative report indicates that you probably did not have the Covid-19  virus infection when the swabs were collected. False-negative results occur when the virus may not get detected due to improper sample collection or the absence of symptoms.

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or COVID-19 infection

Typically, a COVID-19 RTPCR test is priced in the range of INR 375 to INR 549. However, the price can vary based on the city and the laboratory chosen. To provide a more detailed overview, here are the average costs of Covid-19 RTPCR test in several major Indian cities: