Coronavirus: How to know if you have COVID-19? (and no it is not through an RT-PCR)  | The Times of India

Coronavirus: How to know if you have COVID-19? (and no it is not through an RT-PCR) | The Times of India

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Even to begin with treatments, one must first identify whether or not a person is really suffering with the deadly virus or not. To do so, there are several techniques available to us, including a molecular RT PCR test, rapid antigen test or an at-home COVID-19 test.

RT PCR is said to be the most accurate form of COVID testing, wherein swabs are taken from a person’s throat or nose or both. The swab samples are then sent to the laboratory, where scientists look for the RNA, or the genetic component of the virus, which is likely to present the most accurate results.

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But PCR tests can take a long time to showcase results, which is when rapid tests come in handy. They are prompt in delivering results since the technology it uses traces only the protein in the virus strain rather than the entire virus RNA. This is also one of the reasons why rapid tests could result in false negatives.

That said, while both RT PCR and rapid tests have certain pros and cons, experts have come up with another diagnostic tool that can help detect COVID-19. Read on to find out what it is.

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