COVID-19 Tests: RT-PCR/RAT

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 Difference Between RT-PCR and Antigen Test

Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)

  • Under this, copies of a segment of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) are created using an enzyme called Polymerase. A fluorescent DNA binding dye called the “probe” is added to DNA, which shows the presence of the virus on a fluorometer.
  • However, coronavirus is made of RNA (ribonucleic acid). Therefore to detect coronavirus, RNA is converted into DNA using a technique called reverse transcription. A ‘reverse transcriptase’ enzyme converts the RNA into DNA. Copies of the DNA are then made and amplified.
  • For this test, throat or nasal swab is collected.
  • The result of test comes in 4 to 8 hours.
  • It is less faster but have more accurate results than rapid antigen test.
  • This is test is most expensive of all those used for COVID-19.
  • Initially, cost of test was capped at Rs 4500 but later removed.

Rapid Antigen Test(RAT)

  • These tests are designed to detect a specific protein in the virus that elicits the body’s immune response. In the case of Covid-19, it is the ‘spike protein’ present on the surface of the corona virus that facilitates its entry into the human cell.
  • Since antigen testing does not involve any amplification process, swab samples may lack enough antigen material to be detectable. This may result in false negative tests. For this reason, if a person tests negative through antigen testing, they still need to get an RT-PCR test done for confirmation. If a person tests positive, however, a confirmation RT-PCR is not required.
  • For this test, throat or nasal swab is collected.
  • The Result comes within 30 minutes of test.
  • It is much faster but less sensitive or accurate than RT-PCR.
  • Antigens tests are much cheaper than the RT-PCR, and cost Rs 450 each.

Note:-Both tests seeks to detect the virus rather than antibodies present in the body.


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