Covid RT-PCR Test in Unnao
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What is a Covid RT-PCR Test?
Covid RT-PCR stands for Reverse Transcription(RT) – Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). It is a diagnostic molecular test to determine if you have been infected with the SARS CoV-2 virus.
The Covid RT-PCR test can be done on any individual, from infants to geriatrics, male or female. Individuals experiencing symptoms, such as fever, cough, cold, body ache, and fatigue, should get tested for Covid-19 infection with the help of a Covid RT-PCR test.
What does a Covid RT-PCR Test include?
Every pathogen or organism has genetic material called DNA and RNA that provides information regarding its structure. Viral RNA is easier to replicate with the help of a PCR mechanism and reverse transcriptase. Once replicated, it is easier to match it with the viral RNA and detect its presence in the body.
The number of attachments(polymerase) formed is called the chain reaction. This test helps us determine a very small amount of viral load during the initial asymptomatic phase of the infection. Test results will, thereafter, be reported as positive or negative for Covid-19 infection.
Benefits of a Covid RT-PCR Test
The Covid RT-PCR test is a definitive and gold standard test procedure for determining the Covid19 infection. It provides a rapid means of assessment for viral load in the body and is, therefore, a reliable tool to diagnose Covid 19 infection at a very early stage. Asymptomatic individuals, who may be just carriers of the virus, are an important source of spread in the community.
Covid RT-PCR test enables us to contain the spread of Covid-19 infection by identifying such carrier individuals who may have mild symptoms or are completely asymptomatic.
The other diagnostic test for Covid 19 is an antigen test. This test requires a minimum amount of virus to be present in the bloodstream for it to reflect a positive test result; whereas, the Covid RT-PCR test can determine the presence of the virus before it spreads in the body as it does not require a specific viral load.
An antigen test may show false-positive or false-negative results too. Therefore, the Covid RT-PCR test is more sensitive, more accurate, and more reliable for medical professionals to detect the infection of the virus.
How long does it take to complete the Covid RT-PCR Test?
You can expect to receive the results for a Covid RT-PCR Test within 24 to 48 hours after the samples are collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer for the test results to appear.
What is the procedure for a Covid RT-PCR Test?
A lab specialist will come to collect your blood at a preferred time slot. Please ensure that you follow the preparations required for this health assessment package. After collecting the samples, the specialist will send them over to the lab partner. The lab partner will analyse the samples based on the tests listed in the package. You will then receive the full report within 48 hours of sample collection on the MFine web and app platform.
What preparation is required for a Covid RT-PCR Test?
- If you have been advised to undergo a Covid RT-PCR test by your physician or other medical professional or wish to check for yourself during routine screening or when in contact with an infected person, you will need to inform the nearest lab technician in advance.
- The lab technician will prepare himself with Personal Protective Equipments(PPE) to collect your sample. The procedure has to be carried out with proper hygiene and minimising the risk of infecting others.
- He will insert a nasal swab or cotton attached to a long stick into your nose. You must be mentally prepared to avoid unnecessary hassles.
- You must wear a mask at all times during the procedure, except when the sample is taken.
- Sometimes the lab technician may also collect your saliva sample, requiring you to spit saliva into a collecting tray or cup.
- Once he has collected the nasal or oral sample, it will be sealed to avoid contamination and spreading the infection to others in the vicinity.
Why book Covid RT-PCR Test through MFine?
MFine provides you with a hassle-free process to get all your tests done. Mfine works to ensure that your experience is more than just satisfaction. Moreover, you get to choose where you want to get your tests done-the lab of your choice. Convenient timings for sample collection is another advantage offered by MFine. All our Lab technicians are vaccinated and follow all hygienic procedures compulsorily.
For further assistance
Frequently Asked Questions on Covid Test
How long does it take to get the covid-19 test results?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
Post submission of the swab sample, it takes about 48 hours to get the test results.
How accurate is the rapid covid test?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
An RT PCR test is the most reliable diagnostic test for Covid-19 and is considered highly accurate compared to all other tests for COVID-19.
Are there any side effects of the RT PCR test?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
The RT PCR test is a simple procedure. No known side effect has been reported as of date.
What is the difference between TrueNat and RT-PCR?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
The RT PCR test requires a large laboratory backed with cold storage and trained experts to handle the equipment. TrueNat, on the other hand, is a portable device designed to work at remote locations and is considered the ‘last mile diagnostics’. However, RT PCR has better sensitivity and specificity than TrueNat.
Should my family get tested, too, if the doctor has prescribed an RT-PCR test for me?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
Yes, your family needs to get tested if you test positive and have been in close contact with them. You can easily book a coronavirus test online in city_name_label through the MFine App or website.
Should I get a second Covid test done post quarantine?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
If you have been infected with COVID-19, according to the new guidelines, repeat RT PCR is not needed unless the doctor advises. Can kids or elderly people get the RT-PCR test done? Yes. The RT PCR test is considered safe for kids and the elderly.
What are the COVID-19 symptoms I should be aware of?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
The most commonly reported symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, fatigue, and dry cough. Other COVID symptoms also include:
- Generalised body pains
- Muscle/joint pain
- Loss of taste/smell
- Diarrhoea
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Loss of appetite, confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Nasal congestion and runny nose
- Cough
- fatigue
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should consider booking an online doctor consultation as soon as possible.
Does coronavirus disease affect individuals of all age groups?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
Individuals of all age groups can be infected with the coronavirus. However, the elderly, immunocompromised and people with comorbid health conditions are more likely to experience severe symptoms. Consider performing a COVID-19 risk assessment test to understand all the risk factors of COVID-19 better.
I came in close contact with a COVID infected person. What should I do now?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
- Self quarantine yourself from other family members immediately
- Wear a mask
- Consult a general physician
- Get an RT PCR test done immediately
How long can you test positive for covid-19?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
After being infected with the virus, you may remain positive for 7 – 10 days. But the infection may last longer in the elderly, immunocompromised and people with comorbidities.
Can an antibody test detect the COVID-19 virus?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
An antibody test cannot detect Covid-19 infection accurately. It’s used to check for antibodies you’ve developed in response to a previous Covid-19 infection. A COVID-19 antibody test is done to understand your immunity levels against the infection.
Can I avail at-home sample collection for a Covid RT-PCR Test on weekends?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
Yes. At MFine, we provide at-home sample collection on all days of the week.
Is fasting required for a Covid RT-PCR Test?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
An RT PCR test does not require a fast.
What samples are collected for a Covid RT-PCR Test?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
The diagnosis of Covid-19 involves a simple swab test. The sample is usually taken from the nose or throat (nasopharyngeal/throat swab) using a swab stick.
When will I receive my test results for a Covid RT-PCR Test?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
Your test results will be updated on the MFine app or web within 24 hours after sample collection.
Will I get the result interpretation for my test results?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
Yes. You can also avail yourself of a free doctor consultation after receiving the test results. One of our doctors will advise you on the best medical treatment going forward.
Can Covid RT-PCR Test detect cancer?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
Covid RT-PCR does not detect cancers.
Covid RT-PCR Test v/s Covid Antigen testing. Which is better?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
According to regulatory authorities such as the FDA and Food & Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the RT PCR is the most accurate testing method to detect Covid-19. It is considered a definitive and gold standard test procedure for determining the Covid-19 infection.
What should I do if I test negative?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
Even though you test negative, you should continue taking precautionary measures such as wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, and practising social distancing.
What should I do next after I test positive for Covid-19?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
Get in touch with a doctor immediately who’d advise you on the best medical treatment plan for you. Also, you should continue taking all precautionary measures such as maintaining good hygiene, wearing masks etc.
Is it possible to test negative and later test positive for Covid-19?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
If the sample is contaminated or the test fails to detect the virus, it’s possible to get a false negative. However, the degree of error in the RT PCR test is very minimal.
What does an inconclusive test result mean?![>](https://assets.mfine.co/api/contentservice/attachments/download/mfineweb/down_arrow.svg)
There is a particular threshold for the detection of viral genetic material. If the collected sample does not meet this threshold, it is considered presumptive positive, which means it is wise to report it as positive unless proved otherwise to prevent the further spread of the virus. Therefore the term inconclusive is sometimes reported in test results.