Different terms used in RT-PCR testing for COVID-19

As the world is struck with COVID- 19 pandemic, we face the challenge of an overabundance of information related to covid-19 testing procedures.  As the pandemic progresses, the common language and phrases used for covid-19 testing changes on a daily basis. There are different rules for international travelers. People visiting any of the red list countries need to take day 2 antigen test. Here, this resource will help you understand the terminology that is frequently used in coverage of the COVID-19 RT-PCR testing.

Corona viruses: They are a large group of viruses with RNA as a core genetic material.

SARS-CoV-2: It stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus -2. It is the name of the novel coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease. The virus was initially discovered in Wuhan, China, in December, 2019.

Covid-19 : The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. This disease was previously known as the ‘2019 novel coronavirus disease’

Covid RT-PCR Test: The COVID-19 RT-PCR Test is a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 by collecting nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab specimens from individuals suspected of COVID-19. It is the most reliable method for covid-19 testing. Many companies have emerged to provide Covid-19 RT-PCR tests at an affordable price. SpiceHealth has emerged as the fastest growing diagnostic lab in India having conducted more than 2.3 million Covid RT-PCR tests since its launch in Delhi in November 2020. A SpiceHealth RT-PCR lab uses high quality gear and trained expertise to generate reliable results.

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Reverse Transcription: It is the process where an enzyme called reverse transcriptase is used to generate complementary DNA from an RNA template in certain viruses.

PCR: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique that rapidly produces millions of copies of a DNA sample through amplification .It uses a PCR machine, called a thermal cycler, which amplifies SARS-CoV-2 virus’s genetic material. During this process, one of the probes/ chemicals produces a fluorescent light if SARS-CoV-2 is present in the sample.

RNA: RNA is Ribonucleic acid; it’s the genetic material present in corona viruses. It is useful for the manufacture of proteins in the cells.

DNA:  DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic acid. It is the genetic material The genetic material contains all of the information required to construct and sustain an organism in its natural environment. The DNA molecule is a hereditary material transmitted from generation to generation.

Swab test: It is a form of diagnostic test in which a sample is taken from the back of your nasal cavity and tested in a lab to discover if it contains the virus

Gold standard:  It means ‘the best’, Covid RT-PCR testing is considered as the gold standard for testing as it generates highly accurate results.

Viral Load: The numerical expression of the quantity of virus in a given volume of body fluid is as viral load. The number of virus particles per millilitre (ml) of body fluid is expressed in this way. Blood is the body fluid in this case. The amount of virus in an infected person’s blood is referred to as Viral Load.

Asymptomatic: It means absence of symptoms. Even if you are asymptomatic, you can get the corona virus and develop antibodies against it. If you have the virus but don’t show any symptoms, you could spread it to others.

Symptomatic: It means presence of symptoms.  The symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 includes cough, cold, fever, tiredness, shortness of breath, headache, chills, loss of taste or smell, muscle pain, sore throat etc.

Positive results: It indicates active infection. If your test is positive, take all the required steps, consult a doctor, stay home and isolate yourself from others.

Negative results: RNA Specific to SARS-COV-2 is not detected.  If your test is negative, continue to take preventive measures to protect yourself from getting COVID-19.

Inconclusive results: It means clinical suspicion a, a repeat Sample is suggested.

Non Diagnostic result: It means that internal control is not detected, samples need to be repeated.

Sensitivity: When it comes to testing, sensitivity refers to the likelihood that a person with the condition will test positive. There will be fewer false negative results if the test has a high sensitivity. It is the ability of a test to correctly identify people with the disease

Specificity: When it comes to testing, specificity refers to the likelihood that someone who does not have the condition will test negative. It is the ability of a test to correctly identify people without the disease .There will be fewer false positive results if the test has a high specificity.

Viral shedding: When it comes to infection rates, those who have a high viral load are more likely to spread the virus to others. This process is called Viral Shedding. It is the process during the period of time after the virus has replicated in the host and is being emitted.

Quarantine: It is sometimes also known as “isolation.” To avoid the spread of disease, quarantines keep individuals separated. Quarantines are imposed to protect healthy individuals from infection.

Social distancing: It is Also known as physical distancing. It entails maintaining a constant distance between oneself and other people.

Period of incubation: It is the amount of time it takes for an illness to manifest symptoms. Symptoms of COVID-19 emerge during the first 14 days of infection.

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