Covid 19 RT-PCR Test: Book Home Collection Online - LifeCell

Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. A major ongoing global health crisis of recent times, COVID-19 first emerged in Asia in 2019 (UNDP, 2020). However, with its effect on societies and economies, COVID-19 has become much more than a health emergency.

In most cases, people infected with COVID-19 experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without the need for special treatment. However, older people and people with underlying or pre-existing medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease are more prone to developing severe illness (WHO, 2020).

On average, it takes 5—6 days from the time of infection for the symptoms to appear. However, in some cases, it may take up to 14 days (WHO, 2020). Therefore, early detection of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial in effectively managing the patients and slowing down the transmission of this infectious disease.

Coronaviruses are named because of their crown-like spikes on their surface. There are mainly four types of coronaviruses including alpha, beta, gamma, and delta (CDC, 2020).

Sometimes, coronaviruses that are responsible for infecting animals can evolve and transmit infection to humans, creating new or novel human coronavirus. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that has not been seen in humans before. Interestingly, it is not similar to other coronaviruses that are commonly associated with mild illness or flu-like symptoms in humans (CDC, 2020).

SARS-CoV-2 is a type of betacoronavirus similar to MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV(CDC, 2020).

SARS-CoV-2 is detected using a COVID-19 RT-PCR test. It is a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test used for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in upper respiratory tract samples or oropharyngeal swabs.

The samples for testing are usually collected from individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare providers, having been primary contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 patient, or those belonging to high-risk groups including first responders, or healthcare workers.

The results of the test are based on the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, which is usually present in oropharyngeal swabs collected from the suspected individuals during the acute phase of the infection.

• Online Order Placement with the Appropriate Documentation
• Sample Collection
• Results

Interpret your Results

COVID-19 RT-PCR test targets E gene and RdRP gene in the viral genome of SARS-CoV-2 for detection.

Positive or Detectable Test Results: Detectable test results are reflected when both distinct E gene and RdRP gene are amplified in the RT-PCR assay. Presence of SARS-CoV-2 is indicative of a positive result. Therefore, it is recommended to assess a patient's history and related diagnostic information to establish the status of infection in the patient.

Negative or Non-Detectable Test Results: Non-detectable test results are reflected when neither E gene or RdRP gene are amplified in the RT-PCR assay. However, a negative result does not indicate the absence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as a standalone indication for assessing the patient. It is, therefore, recommended to consider a patient's history, related clinical information, and epidemiological details to establish the status of infection.

We care about the Safety of Our Customers as well as our Employees

Precautions Taken During Sample Collection
Whilst collecting your samples, our personnel will be wearing a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which includes a long-sleeve disposable suit, gloves, an N-95 mask, goggles & shoe covers. This gear will be promptly & appropriately disposed off once the collection process is complete.

Sample Processing And Shipping Details
The collected sample swab will then be packaged in a secure triple-layered concealed container, ready to be shipped to our state-of-the-art labs.

You should get tested if you present with the following symptoms:

• Dry Cough
• Chest Pain
• Fever
• Phlegm
• Shortness of breath

• Stay at home
• Wash your hands at regular intervals
• Cover your mouth while coughing/sneezing
• Avoid touching your face
• Keep a minimum distance of 1 metre from others

• ICMR & NABL Approved Labs
• ICMR & NABL Approved Kits
• In-depth Results in Just 24 hours

What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the newly discovered coronavirus. As per reports, most people who fall sick with this infection will suffer from mild to moderate symptoms and recover without any special treatment.

Can Sick Pregnant Mothers Transmit COVID-19 To Their Baby?
Current studies suggest that the COVID-19 infection is not transmitted from the mother to child via the placenta or during delivery.

How does COVID-19 spread?
The COVID-19 infection spreads through limited or prolonged contact with an infected individual via. the droplets generated by them whilst coughing and sneezing.

What is the technique used for testing of COVID-19?
As per ICMR guidelines, the only approved testing technique for COVID-19 is the Real-Time PCR analysis of the RNA extracted from a nasal or throat swab of the concerned individual.

What are the test charges?
The test just costs INR2500. This amount also includes the home sample collection charges.

If I have symptoms and prescribed the COVID–19 test, should my family get tested?
As per ICMR guidelines (20/3/2020), all direct and high-risk contacts of a confirmed case living in the same household should get tested. To get tested, your family members will also need a valid prescription from the referring doctor.

How are the COVID-19 samples transported?
In order to ensure RNA stability, all samples are collected in a viral transport medium (VTM) & further transported in a cold chain.

What are the guidelines to share the test reports with the Government?
In order to maintain the national COVID-19 patient data, your reports will be shared with all the defined government bodies through an online portal created by ICMR.

When will I receive my results?
Your COVID-19 test reports (in a format defined by the ICMR) will be shared with your referring doctor within 24 Hrs of testing. They shall then contact you regarding the results.