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CertifiedLabsWhat is Covid RT-PCR Test?
The COVID-19 RT-PCR test is a laboratory test used to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. It is a molecular test that identifies the virus’s genetic material (RNA) in a sample collected from a person’s nose or throat. This test is used to confirm if a person is currently having COVID-19 infection.
SARS-CoV-2, a single-stranded RNA virus from the Beta coronavirus genus, causes COVID-19. It spreads through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and, in some cases, aerosol transmission in enclosed spaces. Once inside the body, it binds to receptors in the lungs, heart, and other organs, causing infection. Symptoms range from mild (fever, cough, fatigue) to severe (breathing difficulty, pneumonia, organ failure), with higher risks for older adults and those with underlying conditions.
The test requires samples taken from the nose or throat. The sample is analysed in a laboratory to detect viral RNA. A positive result indicates an active infection, while a negative result suggests that no detectable virus is present at the time of testing.
For individuals residing in Bangalore, getting a COVID-19 RTPCR test at home can be convenient with prompt sample collection and delivery of results.
COVID -19 RT PCR Test Parameters
The COVID RTPCR test looks into one specific parameter: the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.
The test works by identifying small pieces of the virus’s genetic material (RNA) in a sample taken from a person’s nose or throat. This test uses a special method called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to make copies of the virus’s genetic material so that it can be detected.
The accuracy of the test depends on how well the sample is taken and the timing after exposure. While RT-PCR tests are very reliable, errors can occur if the sample is not handled properly.
For hospitalised COVID-19 patients, other tests may be needed to check their overall health, e.g., a Complete Blood Count and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel. Additional tests like C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, and D-dimer levels help assess inflammation and clotting risks. Chest X-rays and CT scans can detect lung complications like pneumonia in severe cases, although they may not always show signs of infection.
COVID Test Preparation
To prepare yourself for the COVID RTPCR test at home, here’s what you should be aware of:
Prerequisites : No special preparation like fasting is necessary before taking the COVID RTPCR test.
Best Time to Get Tested : The COVID RTPCR test can be done at any time of the day.
Who Should Get a COVID RTPCR Test?: A COVID RTPCR test is recommended for individuals with fever or respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, difficulty breathing), those in close contact with infected persons, and travellers from high-risk areas. This allows the detection and containment of the virus.
Cautions Before Taking a COVID RTPCR Test: No specific precautions are necessary before undergoing the COVID RTPCR test.
Why Take the COVID -19 RT PCR Test?
A COVID RTPCR test is needed for the following individuals:
Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19, such as:
Fever, cough, trouble breathing, tiredness, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, nausea, or diarrhoea.
High-risk groups, including individuals:
Living or working in crowded places like dorms or camps.
Who have recently travelled from areas where COVID-19 is spreading.
Who are healthcare workers and are exposed to COVID-19 patients.
Severe cases like individuals with:
A serious lung infection needing hospital care.
A high fever (above 38°C) and breathing problems.
COVID RTPCR testing helps detect infections early, prevents the spread of the virus, and ensures appropriate medical care.
FAQs on COVID -19 RT PCR Test in Bangalore
The current price of the COVID RTPCR test in Bangalore is ₹750. This includes fast doorstep sample collection within 60 minutes of booking. Orange Health Labs ensures precise and reliable test results are delivered within 33 hours after the sample is collected.
Yes, Orange Health Labs offers a hassle-free home sample collection service for the COVID RTPCR test. After confirming your booking, a skilled eMedic professional will visit your home within 60 minutes to safely collect the sample.
A COVID RTPCR test is used to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It helps confirm infection in people with or without symptoms by detecting the virus’s genetic material from a nose or throat sample.
No, fasting is completely unnecessary for the COVID RTPCR test.
The COVID RTPCR test detects a single parameter: the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in respiratory samples.
COVID-19 RT-PCR test results are based on cycle threshold (Ct) values, which show how much virus is in the sample. A Ct value below 40 means the test is positive. A lower Ct value means more virus is present, while a higher Ct value means less virus.
COVID RTPCR test reports are typically processed and made available within 33 hours after the sample is collected.
The necessity for undergoing a COVID RTPCR test depends on various factors, including your overall health condition, symptoms, risk factors, and most importantly, your doctor's recommendation.
The COVID RTPCR test is available across a wide range of locations in Bangalore, covering but not limited to: Adugodi, Banashankari, Bannerghatta, Basavanagudi, Bellandur, BTM Layout, Chamrajpet, Cottonpet, CV Raman Nagar, Frazer Town, Giri Nagar, Hebbal, Domlur, Electronic City, Hennur, Hosur, HSR Layout, Jakkur, Jalahalli, Jaya Nagar, Kadugodi, Kammanahalli, Kengeri, Koramangala, Mahalakshmi Layout, Madiwala, Magadi Road, Malleshwaram, Marathahalli, Mathikere, Mysore Road, Nagarbhavi, Nandhini Layout, Old Airport Road, Peenya, RT Nagar, Rajaji Nagar, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Sadashivnagar, Sahakara Nagar, Sanjay Nagar, Sarjapur, Seshadripuram, Shanthi Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Sri Nagar, Tyagarajnagar, Uttarahalli, Vasanth Nagar, Vidyaranyapura, Vijaya Nagar, Whitefield, Yelahanka, Yeshwantpur.
Payment & Refund Policy
- We do not accept cash payments
- All modes of online payment are accepted
- Refunds will be credited back to the source of payment within 5-7 working days of order cancellation.
References
- COVID-19 Testing. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/covid19testing.html
- Detection of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) by real-time RT-PCR. Eurosurveillance. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6988269/#sec22