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COVID-19 RT PCR Test
Also Known As : COVID-19 Test, SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detection, Coronavirus Test, Nasal Swab Test, Throat Swab Test, Viral RNA Test
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Brief Details
What Is COVID-19 RT PCR Test?
An RT PCR Test (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a highly accurate laboratory method used to detect the genetic material of viruses. This test helps confirm if you have an active COVID-19 infection by detecting the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in your system. The test uses a nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab collected from your nose and throat.
What Does the COVID-19 RT PCR Test Measure?
The RT PCR test measures specific aspects of viral infection to provide an accurate diagnosis:
- Detects the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA (genetic material) in your respiratory tract.
- Confirms active COVID-19 infection at the time of testing
- Identifies viral load through cycle threshold (Ct) values
- Distinguishes between current infection and past exposure
- Provides qualitative detection results (positive or negative)
COVID-19 RT PCR Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done
What Symptoms May Call for COVID-19 RT PCR Test?
Your doctor may recommend an RT PCR test if you experience symptoms associated with COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough (usually dry)
- Sore throat
- Fatigue or body aches
- Headache
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Runny nose or congestion
Who Should Get COVID-19 RT PCR Test?
Several groups of people should consider getting tested for accurate diagnosis and public health safety:
- Individuals showing COVID-19 symptoms
- People who have been in close contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases.
- Patients scheduled for major surgeries or hospitalisation
- International travellers, as per government guidelines
- Healthcare workers or individuals in high-risk settings
- Asymptomatic individuals in containment zones
Why Is COVID-19 RT PCR Test Done?
An RT PCR test is performed to definitively diagnose active COVID-19 infection. It serves as the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis due to its high sensitivity and specificity in detecting viral genetic material.
Importance of COVID-19 RT PCR Test
The RT PCR test plays a crucial role in healthcare management and public health control. It provides an accurate diagnosis of active COVID-19 infection, enabling healthcare providers to offer appropriate treatment guidance and isolation recommendations. By identifying infected individuals early, the test helps prevent community transmission through immediate isolation and contact tracing.
Additionally, it supports informed public health decisions and helps distinguish between active infection and past exposure, ensuring appropriate medical care and preventing unnecessary treatments. This accurate identification of cases is essential for managing underlying health conditions and minimising broader health risks associated with the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 RT PCR Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India
How to Book an RT PCR Test?
- Simple Online Booking
Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select the 'COVID-19 RT PCR test', choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a COVID-19 RT PCR test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab. - Safe Home Sample Collection
Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols. - Sample Tracking Updates
Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website. - Accurate Laboratory Testing
Your sample is processed at our NABL- & CAP-accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results. - Quick & Easy Reports
Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.
Is Home Sample Collection for the COVID-19 RT PCR Test Available Near You?
Yes, home blood sample collection is available for RT PCR testing. Metropolis Healthcare's trained phlebotomists follow strict safety protocols while collecting nasal and throat swab samples in the comfort of your home. With our extensive NABL- & CAP-accredited pathology lab network, we make reliable COVID-19 testing accessible and convenient for you and your family.
How Long Does It Take to Get COVID-19 RT PCR Test Report?
Reports are usually available within 1 day once the sample reaches the lab.
Note: Reporting time and cost may vary depending on your location.
Where Can I See or Get COVID-19 RT PCR Test Results?
Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.
Interpreting COVID-19 RT PCR Test Results
What Your COVID-19 RT PCR Test Results May Indicate
This table explains what your RT PCR test results mean and their clinical significance:
|
Parameter |
Result Type |
Meaning |
|
SARS-CoV-2 Detection |
Positive (DETECTED) |
Indicates presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus; you have an active COVID-19 infection. |
|
SARS-CoV-2 Detection |
Negative (NOT DETECTED) |
Indicates absence of detectable SARS-CoV-2 in the sample; no active infection detected |
Conditions that May Affect COVID-19 RT PCR Test Accuracy
Several factors can influence your RT PCR test results and should be considered when interpreting outcomes:
- Timing of the test relative to infection onset (too early or too late testing may affect accuracy)
- Quality of sample collection and storage conditions
- Viral mutations that may affect detection capabilities
- Stage of infection and viral load variations
- Individual viral shedding patterns
- Technical factors, including laboratory processing conditions
- Presence of inhibitors in the sample that may interfere with the test.
How Is COVID-19 RT PCR Test Done?
The RT PCR test involves a systematic process to collect and analyse your sample for accurate results:
- A healthcare professional uses a long, sterile swab to collect a sample from your nose (nasopharyngeal swab).
- An additional swab may be used to collect a sample from the back of your throat (oropharyngeal swab).
- The swabs are placed in a viral transport medium (VTM) tube for preservation.
- Your sample is transported to the laboratory under appropriate temperature conditions.
- Laboratory technicians extract viral RNA from your sample.
- Results are analysed and reported as positive (detected) or negative (not detected).
How Should You Prepare for COVID-19 RT PCR Test?
Preparing for your RT PCR test is simple and requires minimal steps:
- No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test.
- Continue regular medications: Take all prescribed medicines as usual unless advised otherwise.
- No special dietary restrictions: Maintain your normal eating habits.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water normally, as dehydration does not affect results.
- Inform about symptoms: Be ready to share any symptoms or recent exposure history with the healthcare provider.
Diseases that COVID-19 RT PCR Test Can Help Detect
The RT PCR test is specifically designed to identify certain viral infections and related conditions:
- COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus)
- Active SARS-CoV-2 infection in symptomatic individuals
- Asymptomatic COVID-19 cases
RT PCR Tests/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare
The following table shows related COVID-19 tests and monitoring packages available at Metropolis Healthcare to support comprehensive health management:
|
Test/Package Name |
Purpose/Highlights |
|
Comprehensive initial assessment for COVID-19 patients |
|
|
Recovery phase monitoring with essential parameters |
|
|
Ongoing health maintenance during the post-recovery period |
RT PCR Test Prices in Different Cities
The COVID-19 test prices may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities.
|
City |
Approximate Cost (INR) |
|
₹300 - ₹550 |
|
|
₹300 - ₹550 |
|
|
₹300 - ₹550 |
|
|
₹300 - ₹550 |
|
|
₹300 - ₹550 |
|
|
₹300 - ₹550 |
References:
1. Tao Ai et al. Correlation of Chest CT and RT-PCR Testing in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China: A Report of 1014 Cases
2. Yang et al. Evaluating the accuracy of different respiratory specimens in the laboratory diagnosis and monitoring the viral shedding of 2019-nCoV infections.
Frequently asked questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions about health tests, bookings, and reports.
The ideal time to take an RT PCR test is within 3-5 days after exposure to an infected person or as soon as you develop symptoms. Testing too early after exposure may result in a false negative because the virus may not have multiplied enough to be detectable in your system.
No, overnight fasting is not required for the RT PCR test. Since this test uses nasal and throat swabs rather than blood samples, you can eat and drink normally before the test. There are no dietary restrictions or fasting requirements for accurate results.
Dehydration is unlikely to significantly impact your RT PCR test results. The test detects viral RNA in your respiratory tract through nasal and throat swabs, which is not directly affected by your hydration level. However, staying normally hydrated is always recommended for overall health.
No special dietary preparations are needed for the RT PCR test. You should continue taking all your regular medications as prescribed by your doctor unless specifically advised otherwise. It's helpful to inform the sample collector about any medications you're currently taking.
Why Metropolis Healthcare?
Metropolis has been present for over 43 years in the market.
Metropolis has a team of 200 senior pathologists and over 2000 technicians delivering diagnostic solutions in the areas of routine, semi specialty and super specialty domains like Oncology, Neurology, Gynaecology, Nephrology and many more.
NABL & CAP
Accredited labs
210+
Advanced Labs
750+ Cities
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2,000+
Scientific Officers
4,100+
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About Us
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostic service provider in India. We are a team of dedicated professionals committed to ensuring you and your family receive the most accurate and timely healthcare solutions. We believe in making health care accessible, affordable and evidence-based. Our expert panel are equipped with the latest technology and manned by a certified team of over 4000+ technicians.
In diagnostic services, we have more than three decades of experience servicing diverse stakeholders health advantage packages for men, women and seniors, genetic fitness & corporation in over 650+ tests like Oncology, Neurology, Gynaecology, Haematology, and many more. Our diagnostic services are located in leading doctors and clinics and serve over 15+ cities in India.
View your reports and upcoming health checkups at one place.
Upload Prescription
Not sure which tests to take? Share your prescription with us and our team will call you.