SARS-CoV-2(COVID-19) RAPID-PCR (ABBOTT)

​SARS-COV-2 Covid -19 rapid PCR test​

It is a quick reliable convenient automated point of care test used for early detection of active SARS-COV-2 Covid-19 infection. This test is also known as Abbott ID NOW Covid-19 test. The use of this rapid molecular invitro diagnostic test helps healthcare workers to make prompt diagnosis and start early treatment.

COVID-19 infection is caused by virus also called SARS-COV-2.This disease is highly contagious and was first discovered in Wuhan province of China. This virus spreads from infected person to another healthy person in droplets form from nose and mouth of infected person. The person with COVID-19 infection mostly have no symptoms or have  mild flu like symptoms like running nose, fever, cough, and body ache. These patients with mild symptoms recover without special treatment. Sometimes it may lead to moderate to severe illness especially in older people and those with underlying medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and cancers.

The uses of vaccines help in fighting against Covid 19 infection and reduce the spread of this deadly virus. Its infection can be prevented by practicing social distancing, wear properly fitted mask and regular hand washing.

Why is SARS-COV-2 Covid-19 rapid PCR test prescribed?

Your health care provider may order a SARS-COV-2 rapid PCR test in certain conditions:

• Presence of symptoms of covid-19 infection even if vaccinated

• Presence of close  contact with confirmed covid19 positive person even if vaccinated

This test is done within first seven days of onset of symptoms

What are the components of SARS-COV-2 rapid PCR test?

It is a type of  isothermal nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or PCR (polymerase chain reaction)test .This test is automated reliable and gives rapid result (in about less than 13 minutes). It detects SARS-Cov-2 viral RNA by qualitative identification of its RdRp segment. This test can even be positive in other viral (such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus) and bacterial infections. It is a qualitative test only hence quantification cannot be done with this test. If this test comes out negative even though symptoms are suggestive of Covid-19 infection, then other tests should be carried out for confirmation.

​Procedure and prerequisites​

An Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 test is done by collecting dry swab samples from nose or throat. The different types of these samples according to their location are anterior nares, mid-turbinate, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal

Reference range

The result of this test can be positive (Covid-19 infection may be present), negative (Covid-19 infection maybe absent) or indeterminate (repeat testing required)