ICMR issues advisory for using Rapid Antibody Test kits in COVID-19 hotspot areas
- Posted By
10Pointer
- Categories
Science & Technology
- Published
20th Apr, 2020
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- Indian Council of Medical Research has issued an advisory mentioning the protocol for using Rapid Antibody Test kits in Covid-19 hotspot areas.
- ICMR has said that the National Task Force has carefully reviewed the data evolving from various countries on use of such kits and based on available evidence, the testing strategy for COVID-19 has been revised.
- While using the rapid antibody tests kits, it is critical to understand that gold standard frontline test for COVID-19 diagnosis is Real Time PCR based molecular test, which is aimed at early virus detection. The rapid antibody test cannot replace the frontline test.
- The rapid antibody test is a supplementary tool to assess the prevalence of the diseases within a specific area and the rapid antibody test will only be of utility after a minimum of seven days of onset of symptoms.
- In case any state does not have a hot spot, these tests may be used for any hotspot which may emerge in future or as a surveillance tool for epidemiological purposes in such areas where cases have not emerged so far.
