Covid-19 RTPCR (Coronavirus SARS - CoV2) Test In Chennai - Price & Details

The COVID-19 RT-PCR test is the gold standard for COVID-19 testing due to its high sensitivity. It confirms the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, by detecting viral genetic material in the body. The condition produces flu-like symptoms and is often mistaken for the common cold; therefore, timely testing is important for early detection of COVID-19 and prevention of severe complications.

The COVID-19 RT-PCR test is used to screen for COVID-19 and is beneficial for high-risk or symptomatic individuals.

Anyone with COVID-19 may present with the following symptoms:

• Cough or sore throat
• Headaches or body aches
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of sense of smell or taste
• Diarrhoea or constipation

Severe symptoms requiring urgent medical care include:

• Persistent chest pain
• Difficulty staying awake
• Mental confusion
• Bluish discolouration of skin or nails
• Pneumonia
• Multi-organ failure

The following individuals are at high risk and should consider getting this test done :

• Anyone with flu-like symptoms.
• Anyone exposed to COVID-19 positive patients recently.
• Anyone travelling to or from higher-prevalence areas.
• Healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients.

The RT-PCR test detects SARS-CoV-2, a virus that causes COVID-19. It confirms the infection by detecting viral genetic material (RNA) in the sample. It uses a highly accurate technique called reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect even small amounts of virus.

What to Expect Before the Test?

• Fasting is usually not required before the test.
• You can eat or drink normally before the test.
• Avoid using nasal sprays and mouth rinses before the test.
• Inform your doctor about your current medicines, vaccination history, and exposure history before the test.

What to Expect During the Test?

The sample is collected from the respiratory tract using swabs, and the procedure for the same is explained below:

• A nasal swab is inserted into the nose and gently rolled to collect the sample. You may feel a mild tickling sensation.
• An oropharyngeal swab is inserted and wiped into your throat for the sample. You may feel a brief gag reflex that goes away quickly.
• Both samples are transferred to a viral transport medium (VTM) tube, sealed, and labelled.

What to Expect After the Test?

• The test procedure is brief and painless.
• The sealed and labelled tube is sent to the lab for testing.
• Continue taking prescribed medications or safety precautions until you receive the report.

Note: If you notice any nosebleeds or shooting pain in the nose or throat after the test, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

The results of the COVID-19 RT-PCR test are qualitative, indicating whether the SARS-CoV-2 virus is present or absent in the sample. To understand more about test results, refer to the table below:

Note: 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 an expert to understand your test results better.

• Improper handling of the sample can lead to false results.
• Early testing can often yield false negatives.
• The severity of the infection cannot be assessed.

You can book Covid-19 RTPCR (Coronavirus SARS - CoV2) Test in Chennai through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• Anna Nagar
• T. Nagar
• Adyar
• Velachery
• Nungambakkam
• Mylapore
• Alwarpet
• Besant Nagar
• Tambaram
• Porur
• Guindy
• Saidapet
• Kodambakkam
• Ashok Nagar
• Kilpauk
• Perambur
• Thiruvanmiyur
• Sholinganallur
• Medavakkam
• Perungudi

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