AMC recommends for RT-PCR test if reported Covid-19 -ve in antigen test

Aurangabad, April 13:

The ratio of testing to trace the infected patients has been increased during the second wave of Coronavirus, this year. The citizens, however, are confused over different shocking results of antigen and RT-PCR tests. It has come to notice that the results of antigen tests are not cent per cent true as during the last year 707 persons were detected as Covid-19 negatives, but the same persons were reported as infected in the RT-PCR test reports.

The RT-PCR test is being conducted in the city since March 2020. Later on, a rapid antigen test was introduced. Previously, the report of the RT-PCR test was received in 24 hours and now it is available in 12 hours. However, the preference was given to antigen test so as to trace and treat the Covid-19 patients at the earliest and break the spreading chain. There were 707 cases wherein the persons were reported negative in antigen test, but was reported as positives in RT-PCR tests in the last 13 months, said the municipal officer of health (MoH) Dr Neeta Padalkar.

4.34 lakh Covid-19 negatives

So far, the AMC has conducted 6.25 lakh tests. Of which, 4.34 lakh were negatives and 71,997 were reported as Covid-19 positives. Of the total, 50 pc patients were detected through antigen tests and the remaining through RT-PCR tests.

Dr Padalkar added, " I appeal to the suspects that they should not rely totally on the antigen test report. Instead, they should also undergo an RT-PCR test (as the second opinion) which is 100 pc result-oriented."