COVID-19 RT PCR Test – Home Sample Collection in Mumbai & Report Online (ICMR Approved)

Coronaviruses are a large group of RNA viruses that cause
diseases in animals as well as in humans. They have characteristic crown-like
or club shaped spikes that project from their surface. Coronavirus usually
causes an upper tract respiratory infection in humans and birds and can cause
illness ranging from the common cold to diseases such as MERS (Middle East
Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), the prime symptoms for COVID 19 include - 

• Fever
  or chills
• Cough
• Shortness
  of breath or difficulty breathing
• New
  loss of taste or smell
• Sore
  throat
• Congestion
  or runny nose
• Nausea
  or vomiting
• Diarrhea

It is important to get a covid 19 test done if you are
experiencing any of these symptoms. A covid 19 test is the best preliminary
protocol in determining the presence of the virus.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO),
coronavirus spreads through the droplets and aerosols of the infected
person. The coronavirus spreads when these droplets are inhaled or come direct
contact with eyes, nose or mouth of a healthy person that are nearby (less than
or equal to 1 meter).  Individuals can be asymptomatic and still spread
the virus to other people, which is why it is important to get a covid test
done if you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive.

The COVID RT PCR test in Mumbai is the real-time
polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) test that measures the nucleic acid content
of the SARS Cov 2 in the patient’s sample. The DNA of the patient is taken via
a nasal swab and the test results are attained in 1-7 days, depending on the
laboratory. This test can help determine if the patient has the virus at
the time of testing. If you have tested positive for covid 19, it is important
to self-isolate immediately and speak to your doctor.

For on-site testing, the samples may be tested within a few
hours, but if the samples are sent elsewhere for RT PCR testing, it may take 1
- 7 days to get the results. On an average, the COVID RT PCR test results are
obtained in 2 - 5 days. Individuals who have tested positive for covid 19
need to reach out to their doctor for the next steps in ensuring safe recovery.

The results of the COVID RT PCR test in mumbai are
interpreted with the help of Ct Value graphs. The Ct (cycle threshold) is the
number of cycles required for the fluorescent signal to cross the threshold
(i.e. exceeds background level). Ct levels are inversely proportional to the
amount of target nucleic acid in the sample (i.e. the lower the Ct level the
greater the amount of target nucleic acid in the sample).

• Cts
  < 29 are strong positive reactions indicative of abundant target
  nucleic acid in the sample
• Cts
  of 30-37 are positive reactions indicative of moderate amounts of target
  nucleic acid.
• Cts
  of 38-40 are weak reactions indicative of minimal amounts of target
  nucleic acid which could represent an infection state or environmental
  contamination.

For covid 19 testing, it is important to test regularly to
obtain the most accurate results of your current status. This test is highly
accurate in determining the presence of the virus and is a preliminary tool in
the containment of the virus.

There are 3 types of COVID-19 testing - 

Molecular
Tests 

• A
  molecular covid 19 test looks for the virus’s genetic material via a
  nasal or a throat swab and are the current standard for diagnosing COVID
  19.
• Most
  testing sites use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which are very
  accurate and are usually performed in large certified covid testing
  labs.  

Antigen
testing 

• These
  rapid coronavirus tests, which detect certain proteins on the surface or
  in the virus, are inexpensive, efficient, and fast. Many of these tests
  have been FDA authorized for emergency use, some even in the home
  environment (Ellume).
• This
  test can be used to make a clinical diagnosis in symptomatic patients in
  the first five days of symptoms. 
• However,
  they aren’t currently recommended for screening asymptomatic
  populations. 

Antibody
Testing

• These
  tests detect antibodies that signal that the body has mounted an immune
  response to the virus.
• They
  test whether you have antibodies to the virus, but not whether those are
  neutralizing antibodies, which are the best indicator that someone is
  protected from the virus.
• Therefore,
  they do not indicate whether a person has a current COVID-19 infection,
  or when they were exposed. This test is an accurate assessment of
  the presence of antigens.

Currently, a COVID-19 RT PCR test would be conducted only
for symptomatic passengers at Mumbai airport. If you are experiencing shortness
of breath, sore throat, or recurring cough, then you may have to take a Covid
19 test prior to flying. For domestic passengers, 14 days of home quarantine is
mandatory. There is covid 19 testing facility provided at Mumbai airport for
travellers that may be symptomatic.

The only exemption would be granted to passengers who visit
the state for a short period for purposes like business, official, trade,
medical, court cases, property management. The guidelines may change based
on the current situation of the spread of the COVID 19 infection, which is why
it is important to check the guidelines provided by Mumbai airport website.
Travellers can also reach out to the customer service centre at Mumbai airport
for more information on the most updated guidelines.

The duration of quarantining depends on the symptoms of
covid 19 experienced by the individual. It is also important to track your
covid 19 test results to understand your current status.

• Asymptomatic:
  For individuals that do not have symptoms of covid 19, it is important to
  self-isolate for 10 days after the first positive covid test.
• Symptomatic:
  If you are experiencing key symptoms of covid 19 then it is important to
  self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days after the onset of symptoms. You
  should also consult with your doctor for the management of your symptoms
  as well.
• Severely
  ill: People that are experiencing severe symptoms of covid 19, need to
  isolate for a minimum of 10 days and up to 20 days after the onset of
  symptoms. It is important to test for the presence of the virus repeatedly
  as your symptoms subside.

There are three key steps involved in the process of getting
a COVID-19 PCR test done in Mumbai

• Sample
  collection - The sample collection of the patient is done using a swab to
  collect respiratory material found in the nasal cavity.  
• Extraction
  - When a laboratory technologist receives the sample, they perform a
  process called extraction, which isolates genetic material from the sample
  including genetic material from any virus that may be present.
• PCR
  - A PCR machine along with specific chemicals and special software is used
  to interpret Covid test results.