SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR

Bacterial/ Viral

Report in 24Hrs

At Home

No Fasting Required

Details

Detects the presence of viral RNA from the SARS-CoV-2 virus

₹399₹800

50% OFF

SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test Information Guide

Why is it done?
- Test Measures: Detects viral RNA from SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) in respiratory samples using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
- Primary Indications: Diagnosis of active COVID-19 infection in symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals; screening for exposure; monitoring healthcare workers; pre-procedure testing; evaluating symptomatic patients with respiratory illness
- Clinical Circumstances: Within 5-7 days of symptom onset (highest sensitivity); following exposure to confirmed COVID-19 case; before hospitalization or surgery; during outbreaks in institutions; routine surveillance in high-risk settings
Normal Range
- Reference Range: Negative (no viral RNA detected)
- Units of Measurement: Ct (Cycle threshold) value or qualitative results (Positive/Negative/Inconclusive)
- Result Interpretation: Negative = No SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected (patient likely does not have COVID-19); Positive = SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected (patient has active infection); Inconclusive/Indeterminate = Result unclear, repeat testing recommended
- Ct Values (When Reported): Ct <30 = High viral load (more contagious); Ct 30-35 = Moderate viral load; Ct >35 = Low viral load (may indicate late infection or low viral presence); Ct >40 or undetermined = Generally reported as Negative
Interpretation
- Positive Result: Indicates active SARS-CoV-2 infection; patient is contagious and should isolate; clinical correlation with symptoms is recommended; high sensitivity test (detects infection early); specificity >99%
- Negative Result: No SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected; patient likely does not have active COVID-19; however, early in infection (first 1-2 days) or in immunocompromised patients, false negatives can occur
- Inconclusive/Indeterminate Result: Test results are unclear or borderline; repeat testing after 24 hours recommended; may indicate very early or late-stage infection; consider alternative diagnostic methods
- Factors Affecting Results: Timing of specimen collection (sensitivity highest 5-7 days after symptom onset); specimen type (nasopharyngeal most sensitive, followed by oropharyngeal); proper specimen collection and storage; viral load variation; stage of infection
- Clinical Significance: Gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis; highest sensitivity and specificity among available tests; guides treatment decisions, isolation protocols, and public health measures; Ct values may correlate with infectivity but not disease severity
Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems: Respiratory system (upper and lower); nasopharynx, oropharynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs; also detected in nasopharyngeal secretions and saliva
- Associated Diseases/Conditions: COVID-19 (ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia); acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); pneumonia; bronchitis; upper respiratory infection symptoms
- Multi-Organ Involvement: In severe cases, COVID-19 can affect cardiovascular system, renal system, gastrointestinal system, nervous system, and blood coagulation pathways
- Potential Complications: Severe pneumonia, respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, sepsis, myocarditis, acute kidney injury, thromboembolism, long COVID syndrome (prolonged symptoms), death in severe cases
- High-Risk Populations: Elderly patients (>65 years), immunocompromised individuals, chronic respiratory disease (asthma, COPD), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity
Follow-up Tests
- For Positive Results: Chest X-ray (for respiratory symptoms); CT chest (if pneumonia suspected); CBC with differential; comprehensive metabolic panel; troponin (if cardiac involvement suspected); D-dimer (if thrombosis suspected); ABG (arterial blood gas) for severe cases
- For Negative/Inconclusive Results: Repeat RT-PCR after 24-48 hours; antigen rapid test (lower sensitivity but quick results); antibody serology testing (to detect past infection); consider other viral respiratory pathogen testing if clinically indicated
- For Severe Cases: Serial RT-PCR testing; inflammatory markers (CRP, ferritin, IL-6); coagulation studies (PT/INR, PTT); lactate level; procalcitonin; blood cultures; respiratory pathogen panel
- Monitoring Frequency: Hospitalized patients: daily or every 2-3 days during acute phase; discharged patients: typically no repeat testing needed if symptom improvement; healthcare workers: per facility protocols; contacts of confirmed cases: test on days 5-7 post-exposure or if symptomatic
- Complementary Tests: SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests; SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG/IgM); COVID-19 serology; multiplex respiratory pathogen panel; influenza and RSV testing; bacterial culture if superinfection suspected
Fasting Required?
- Fasting Requirement: No - Fasting is NOT required
- Patient Preparation: No special dietary restrictions; patient may eat and drink normally before testing; no medication modifications needed for this test
- Important Pre-Test Instructions: Avoid eating, drinking, rinsing mouth, or using lozenges for 30 minutes before nasopharyngeal specimen collection (may reduce viral RNA); avoid smoking or chewing gum before collection; inform healthcare provider of recent intranasal medications; wear mask if symptomatic until specimen collection
- Specimen Collection Notes: Self-collected or healthcare provider-collected specimens acceptable; nasopharyngeal swab most sensitive; oropharyngeal/throat swab also used; saliva specimens permitted at some facilities; specimens must be collected into appropriate transport medium
- Medications: Continue all regular medications as prescribed; no medications contraindicate this test; recent nasal medications should be disclosed to healthcare provider
- Specimen Handling: Specimens should be processed promptly; refrigerate if delay in processing; maintain chain of custody; proper labeling and patient identification required

How our test process works!