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COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RT PCR Test
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Sample Type
Swab
Recommended for
Male, Female
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Within 48 Hours
Blood test at Home
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COVID-19 RT-PCR Test Overview
COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The virus was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has since spread rapidly across the globe, causing a pandemic. Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and congestion. In severe cases, COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and even death. The virus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. It can also spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching one's face.
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Real-Time PCR is a diagnostic test that detects the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The test uses a technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify and detect small amounts of the virus's genetic material in respiratory samples such as nasal or throat swabs.
The test is highly accurate and specific, and it can detect the virus in the early stages of infection, even before symptoms appear. It is currently considered the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19 and is used globally as a primary diagnostic tool for detecting SARS-CoV-2.
Reasons for Undergoing the RTPCR Test
The RTPCR test is a crucial diagnostic tool that plays a significant role in various areas of medical diagnostics. Here are the main reasons for undergoing an RTPCR test:
- Diagnosing infectious diseases: The RTPCR test is commonly used to detect pathogens by identifying their genetic material. It has been especially effective in diagnosing viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (the cause of COVID-19), as well as other harmful pathogens such as Ebola, Zika, MERS, and SARS. This makes it an essential tool for managing public health crises and controlling disease outbreaks.
- Early detection of infections: One of the key advantages of the RTPCR test is its ability to detect infections in their early stages, even before symptoms appear. Early detection is crucial in preventing the spread of contagious diseases, as it allows for timely interventions such as quarantine or treatment.
- Identifying genetic changes and cancer: Beyond infections, the RTPCR test can also detect specific genetic mutations and small quantities of cancer cells that may be overlooked by other diagnostic methods, making it an essential tool in cancer diagnostics.
- Monitoring disease progression: RTPCR tests play a key role in tracking disease progression by analysing cycle threshold (Ct) values, which indicate the viral load in a patient. This information helps in assessing recovery or determining the need for additional treatment.
List of Parameters Considered During the RTPCR Test
The RTPCR test measures specific parameters to determine the presence and quantity of the pathogen's genetic material. The main parameters considered during an RTPCR test are:
- Presence of genetic material: The test detects whether the pathogen's genetic material (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 RNA) is present in the sample, indicating an infection.
- Cycle threshold (Ct) values: Ct values determine the number of cycles required for the fluorescent signal to surpass the background threshold. A low Ct value indicates a high viral load, whereas a high Ct value suggests a low viral load, which assists in evaluating the disease's progression and transmission risk.
Home Collection for RTPCR Test Near You
Choosing home sample collection for your RTPCR test offers several advantages, making the process more convenient and comfortable. By selecting Metropolis Healthcare’s home collection service, a trained phlebotomist will visit your doorstep to collect the required samples, ensuring your safety and comfort. With competitive pricing for COVID-19 test, Metropolis Healthcare follows strict guidelines for handling samples, ensuring that your test results are accurate. Committed to provide accessible healthcare, Metropolis ensures you receive timely, reliable test results at an affordable RTPCR test price, delivering reliable diagnostic solutions conveniently at home.
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RT PCR Test Price
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RT PCR Test Price Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RT PCR Test with a clear pricing structure. The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RT PCR Test Price in Mumbai is ₹ 500. We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Detection by Real-Time PCR test is done to diagnose an active infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.
- The test is also done for people who have been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19 or who have travelled to an area with a high prevalence of the virus.
- Additionally, the test may be required for individuals who are scheduled for a medical procedure or are planning to travel to another country.
Anyone who has come in close contact with a COVID-infected person or has shown early symptoms of COVID-19 can take the COVID RT-PCR test.
The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Detection by Real-Time PCR test measures the presence of genetic material (RNA) from the SARS-CoV-2 virus in respiratory samples such as nasal or throat swabs.
If the results of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Detection by Real-Time PCR test are abnormal, it indicates that the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in the respiratory sample. A positive result suggests that the person being tested is currently infected with the virus and may be contagious.
In such cases, healthcare providers will advise the person to isolate themselves to prevent further transmission of the virus and may recommend further testing, treatment, or monitoring depending on the severity of the infection.
During the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Detection by Real-Time PCR test, a healthcare provider will take a sample of respiratory secretions, usually from the nose or throat, using a swab. The procedure is generally quick and takes only a few minutes to complete.
The healthcare provider will ask the person to tilt their head back slightly and insert a long, thin swab into their nostril, where it will be rotated several times to collect a sample of secretions. The same procedure may be repeated with another swab in the other nostril or in the back of the throat.
The swab may cause some discomfort, such as a tickling or burning sensation in the nose or throat, but it should not be painful.
There are typically no special preparations required before the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Detection by Real-Time PCR test. However, healthcare providers may advise individuals to follow certain guidelines before the test, such as bringing a valid ID information to the testing site, if applicable and following any specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider or testing site, such as wearing a mask or practising social distancing.
- The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Detection by Real-Time PCR test is recommended for individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and congestion.
- It is recommended to people who have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
- It may also be recommended for individuals who have recently travelled to an area with a high prevalence of COVID-19 or who have been in crowded public spaces.
- In addition, the test may be recommended for individuals who work in high-risk settings, such as healthcare facilities, long-term care facilities, or other congregate settings where the virus can spread quickly.
- Furthermore, the test may be required for individuals who are planning to travel internationally, attend large gatherings or events, or return to work or school after a COVID-19 infection.
If an individual is suspected of having COVID-19, additional tests or procedures may be ordered in addition to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Detection by Real-Time PCR test to help diagnose and manage the condition. Some of these tests may include:
- Chest X-ray or CT scan: These imaging tests may be used to evaluate the severity of lung involvement and monitor the progression of the disease.
- Complete blood count (CBC): This test can provide information about the number and type of blood cells present in the body, which may be affected by the virus.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) test: This blood test can help determine if there is inflammation in the body, which may be present with COVID-19.
- Antibody test: This blood test can detect if an individual has developed antibodies against the virus, indicating a previous infection.
- Other tests may be ordered to rule out other viral infections that can present with similar symptoms as COVID-19, such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- COVID-19 RT-PCR test
- COVID-19 PCR test
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- COVID test
Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) is a sensitive and rapid molecular test used to identify specific genetic material in a sample. The process includes converting RNA into DNA through reverse transcription, followed by DNA amplification using PCR, with real-time fluorescence quantifying the genetic material as it is amplified.
The RTPCR test is essential because it accurately detects infectious diseases such as COVID-19, offering high sensitivity and specificity. It can identify the virus in its early stages, even before to symptom appear, which is essential for controlling the spread and ensuring timely intervention.
The COVID-19 RTPCR test offers several benefits, including early detection of the virus before symptoms appear, high sensitivity and specificity for accurate results, quick turnaround within three to eight hours, and the capability to track disease progression through Ct values.
No, fasting is not required before taking the RTPCR test. There are no special preparations needed for this test.
The documents typically required for an urgent RT-PCR test include a valid ID proof (e.g. Aadhaar card, passport, or driver's license), a doctor’s prescription (if required), travel documents (if the test is for travel purposes), and your contact information to receive your test results.
Yes, some diagnostic centres, like Metropolis Healthcare, provide home sample collection services for RTPCR tests, making it more convenient for patients.
Yes, Metropolis Healthcare collects samples for COVID tests even on Sundays, ensuring that patients can get tested at their convenience.
RTPCR test results typically take about 24 hours to be ready, depending on the day/time the sample collected and processed.
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Why Metropolis?
Metropolis has a team of 200 senior pathologists and over 2000 technicians delivering diagnostic solutions in the areas of routine, semi specialty and super specialty domains like Oncology, Neurology, Gynaecology, Nephrology and many more.
We offer a comprehensive range of 4000+ clinical laboratory tests and profiles, which are used for prediction, early detection, diagnostic screening, confirmation and/or monitoring of the disease.
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