The second wave of COVID-19 placed extreme pressure on the diagnostic path labs. As a result, the Indian council of medical research approved the use of the RTPCR kit at home. These self-use kits can be used by any people, either symptomatic or asymptomatic, to confirm their Covid diagnosis. This test will not have to go to any diagnostic laboratory or ask a healthcare professional to collect their sample collection. This, in turn, can ease the pressure on overburdened diagnostic laboratories and reduce the delay in testing.
According to the guidelines, individuals who have used RT PCR kit to diagnose themselves and the test results have shown to be positive can be considered true positive and therefore would not require repeat testing. All symptomatic individuals who continue to display symptoms but have tested negative in the RTPC R kit can go to a diagnostic laboratory to confirm their results. Since the RT PCR kit price is nominal, it helps in mass testing of individuals and contact tracing.
How Does the RT PCR Test kit Work
Each RTPCR kit contains testing materials, instructions to use (IFU) leaflet, and a biohazard bag to dispose of the test kit safely. Using a nasal swab, the test is designed to reduce the discomfort of the patient. After the test collection and testing, the kit can provide you with results in under 15 minutes.
After the COVID-19 RT-PCR kit result, individuals who have come as positive should immediately isolate themselves not to infect others. However, those who test negative and continue to experience the coronavirus symptoms should seek follow-up clearance from the health care provider and get themselves tested from a reputable diagnostic laboratory.
Understanding RT PCR Test kits results
The RT-PCR kit has a control line and a test line, which displays the result. If both the control line and the test line appear in the cartridge, it means that the person has coronavirus infection.
If the control line appears but the test line does not appear, then it means that the novel coronavirus antigen is not being detected, and the individual is covert negative.
Finally, if the control line and the test line do not appear, the result will be invalid. Therefore the test has to be conducted again.
If the RTPCR kit displays positive results, then it indicates the presence of viral antigen. People who test positive with the home COVID-19 antigen should self-isolate themselves and keep in touch with the health care provider or physician to decide on the next course of treatment.
What Could Possibly Go Against These Tests?
Though the RTPCR kit does not present any possible disadvantages, there could be a possible discomfort while collecting the sample if you do not do it correctly. The other possibility is that people whose test results come as positive may resort to self-medication which could go against their health.
Many factors come into play when you use the RT PCR kit. These test kits work best with people who are displaying Covid 19 symptoms. If you test a little early or asymptomatic, the test results will likely show to be negative, which may give you a false sense of reassurance. Therefore, you must see medical aid from your health care provider after finding your test results.
