Learn ... how RT-PCR, antibody and antigen tests of corona virus are different

New delhi date. 12 July 2020, Sunday

Actor Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan tested positive for Corona virus in a rapid antigen test. However RT-PCR testing is also required for a complete diagnosis of coronary infection.

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the entire Bachchan family was swabbed after Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan corona tested positive in the rapid antigen test and also underwent an RT-PCR test. Aishwarya Rai and her daughter Aaradhya also tested positive for RT-PCR today.

The RT-PCR test (Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) is called the gold standard frontline test for the identification of corona transitions. So let us know what is the difference between Rapid Antigen test, Antibody test and RT-PCR test.

Rapid antigen test

Rapid antigen test is an out-of-laboratory test that is done to find out the result of the test immediately. Covid-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This test takes a swab from the nose and detects the antigen found in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The presence of antigen in the test result is a symptom of possible infection of the corona.

Antigen is an external substance that activates our body's immune system to produce antibodies. Antibodies are effective in fighting diseases. Antigens can be any element present in the environment such as chemicals, bacteria or even viruses. Antigens are harmful and their presence in the body is an indication that the body's immune system is forced to create antibodies to fight external attacks.

Antibody test

One more antibody test is also done to check for corona. It is done by taking a blood sample and is also called a serological test. The results come quickly and are less expensive than RT-PCR. This test can only be done on location. However, the antibody test has some limitations so it cannot be considered a final result.

This test detects antibody symptoms after infection. An antibody is an element of the body that is made by our immune system to inactivate viruses in the body.

It can often take up to a week for antibodies to form after an infection, so accurate information cannot be obtained if antibody tests are done beforehand. Apart from this, the presence of Corona virus cannot be directly detected from this test. Therefore, even if the patient's antibody test is negative, his RT-PCR test is done.

RT-PCR test

The Ministry of Health has described the test as the gold standard frontline test for corona identification. The RT-PCR test involves taking a swab from a potential patient's nose or throat. This can only happen in a test lab. It examines ribonucleic acid, which is the genetic material of the virus.

If the genetic sequence of the patient's sample matches the genetic sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the patient is considered corona positive. The test results are negative only when the virus is not present in the patient's body.

RT-PCR is an expensive corona testing system and requires a machine to extract RNA from the sample. It also requires laboratory and trained health workers. This test takes 4 to 5 hours in the lab itself. The test costs around Rs 4,500 in India and is the most reliable method of corona testing.