Real-time RT-PCR stands for Real-Time Reverse Transcription – Polymerase Chain. Reaction enables detection and presence of specific genetic material in the pathogens that include viruses or bacteria. The method utilizes radioactive isotope markers for the detection of targeted genetic materials; however, with advancements, the isotopic labeling is replaced with special markers such as fluorescent dyes. This technique enables professionals to review the results immediately. Real-time RT-PCR is one of the widely used methods for the detection of COVID-19. This method also helps in increasing the testing volume to meet the increasing number of sample pools.

Owing to the current coronavirus pandemic RT-PCR a medical terminology has come into focus. An RT-PCR test is a laboratory test that combines reverse transcription of RNA into DNA for the detection of the virus. RT-PCR test is the most preferred test for COVID-19; however, this test is time-consuming and costly as it has an elaborate kit. An RT-PCR test uses nose or throat swabs for the detection of viruses. Also, only trained professionals who are instructed for the use of the RT-PCR kit can carry out the RT-PCR test. RT-PCR requires a full set-up that includes the trained practitioners, laboratory, and RT-PCR machine for detection and analysis.

• Symtoms: If you have any of the Covid symptoms (Sore throat, Dry Cough, Fever, Tiredness, Breathlessness)
• Travel purpose: You are travelling and need a confirmatory test
• Doctor advice: Your doctor suspects you have Covid and advises this test

The regulatory authorities such as Food & Drug Association have approved and supports the testing of COVID-19 at home or other non-laboratory settings such as schools, offices, and others provided that the place should support consumer safety and test accuracy. Home sample collection can be done if the patient is not able to visit the laboratory or has opted for self-isolation or have been diagnosed with certain symptoms of the virus. To get self-tested, you can request the laboratory professionals to visit your home and get the samples collected for further analysis. Thus, considering your health status and risk associated with visiting a healthcare setup you can opt for home sample collection.

• According to the health experts, RT-PCR tests are more accurate compared to other tests such as the antigen and antibody tests. As the test analyzes the genetic sequences such as the SARS-COV-2 virus and then determines the results. However, the test results of an RT-PCR test is not completely accurate or perfect. In a large sample size, the test can detect some false-negative patients due to laboratory error or insufficient sample size from the patient.

  Also, another issue with these tests can be faulty reagents. The vendors are working on strict guidelines to maintain the quality of the reagents and the kits. Thus, if the RT-PCR test results of a patient are negative and there are some symptoms of the virus identified then the healthcare professionals can make use of other tests such as a CT scan for confirmation.

There are no side effects of the RTPCR test. But there is a high chance of getting a false-negative or false-positive result. Many of the cases that have come through have seen false-negative and false-positive results that have set back multiple hospitals. The people who undergo the RTPCR test will not experience any negative side effects from the test. It is rather harmless. The issue of eliciting false-negative and false-positive results is due to the finding of typical antibodies responsible for specific signs and characteristics of COVID-19. But computed tomography (CT) images were not diagnosed. This can be very harmful for the patient and time consuming for the doctor.ues.

This virus mainly spreads through physical contact with any affected person. When an infected person coughs, the virus gets released from the affected person’s body through small droplets and sticks in objects or surfaces. When a person unknowingly touches the floors or objects, then the virus gets transmitted to that person. The virus can mainly spread in several ways, such as,

• Mass gathering
• Shaking hands or hugging any affected person
• Sharing food items
• Touching objects or surfaces where the presence of coronavirus is possible.

There are some certain number of do’s and don’ts that each and every patient should follow. The PET-CT scan instructions that are mandatorily essential for each and every one are briefly evaluated below for you:

On the following day of Scanning

1. Every patient should undoubtedly be accompanied by an adult
2. Each and every medical records along with the X-ray, MRI, CT or any other kind of report must be carried
3. The patient must not be accompanied by children or pregnant women
4. The one desires to have a check-up must wear loose and comfortable garments
5. Metallic objects, ornaments or any metallic object,should never be carried inside the premises, carry them inside at your own risk
6. You are required to remain at our centre for at least 4 hours from the scheduled time

There are some specific rules that only should be followed by the female patients. If you are a female patient, you must inform the authority if you are pregnant or about to be pregnant or breastfeeding.