With a legacy of delivering world-class and backed by the state-of-art technology, Apollo hospitals has been approved by the ICMR, Government of India for samples collection, testing and diagnosing COVID-19 suspects.
The collection of samples happens only by prescription from a qualified physician. We follow stringent safety protocols & hygienic collection method through qualified and trained phlebotomist for safe and hygienic sample collection.
Apollo Covid19 Helpline /RTPCR– 0522 678 8888
Documents to be presented for getting COVID-19 tested:
- Prescription for COVID-19 test from a qualified physician
- Government photo-id
- Duly filled Specimen Referral Form
Overview
The coronavirus pandemic is rapidly growing worldwide, and there are a rising number of cases of COVID-19 globally. Owing to this there is an increase in understanding and discussion of the number of medical terminologies that are used for the detection of COVID-19 such as RT-PCR test, TruNat test, antigen test, rapid antibody test and others. According to the regulatory authorities such as FDA, Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), RT-PCR is one of the most accurate laboratory testing method for the current coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, there are other tests as well used for the detection of the presence of the virus in an individual. Thus, with an increasing number of people getting infected with the novel disease there is a rise in the number of people getting tested for the same. In various states including New Delhi it is free and requires no prescription for the testing. The government also modulates their guidelines for people’s benefits.
What is COVID-RTPCR?
This is a diagnostic test that can identify the COVID-19 causing virus. This test is performed to detect the SARS-CoV-2.
Method – Real-Time PCR
It makes use of Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase (RT)-PCR Diagnostic Panels.
Mandatory requirements:
As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) guidelines, Government ID ( Aadhaar card / Voter Id / Passport ) to support the current address and contact number of the suspect patient needs to be provided to the lab processing the sample.
The suspect case will also be asked about travel history and Covid-19 patient interaction (if any).
Why is COVID-RTPCR done?
Who should be tested:
- All symptomatic individuals with ILI (influenza-like illness) symptoms with a history of international travel in the last 14 days.
- All symptomatic (ILI symptoms) contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases.
- All symptomatic (ILI symptoms) individuals who are health care workers/frontline workers involved in containment and mitigation of COVID19.
- All patients suffering from Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI).
- Asymptomatic direct and high-risk contacts of a confirmed case who are to be tested once between day 5 and day 10 after coming in contact.
- All symptomatic ILI people within hotspots/containment zones.
- All hospitalized patients who develop ILI symptoms.
- All returnees and migrants with symptomatic ILI within 7 days of illness.
- No emergency procedure should be delayed for a lack of testing. However, samples can be sent for testing if any of the above (1- 8) criteria are met.
Note: A case of ILI is defined as one where acute respiratory infection with fever ≥ 38◦C and cough are present. SARI case is defined as one where acute respiratory infection with fever ≥ 38◦C and cough are present and requires immediate hospitalization. All testing in the above-mentioned categories is recommended by the real-time RT-PCR test only.
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about COVID-RTPCR
Frequently Asked Questions about Coronavirus Covid-19 Test (RT-PCR technique)
Yes, you may contact Apollo Covid-19 Helpline number – 0522 678 8888
You may call Apollo COVID-19 Helpline number +91 522 678 8888
A healthcare technician prepared with personal protective equipment (like gloves, masks, goggles, aprons, gowns, etc.) will use a special cotton swab to collect samples from the back of the throat (oropharyngeal swab) and nose (nasal swab). As of now, the recommended method for testing is RT-PCR.
Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Your doctor will decide whether or not your family needs the test. Here is some information that might help in making decisions about testing: 1- All family members living with a confirmed case should be home quarantined. They should be tested only if they become symptomatic (fever, cough, difficulty in breathing). 2- Family member’s testing will be subject to fulfilling the mandatory requirements and prescription with a physician signature along with stamp with referring doctor’s prescription.
The sample will be collected in a viral transport medium (VTM) for maintaining the stability of the sample. This sample is then further transported in a cold chain.
All patient’s reports will be shared with the defined Govt. bodies as per the guidelines of Govt of India/ICMR.
You can expect your reports within 24 hours of receiving the sample in our labs, subject to Govt. rules and regulations.
You are advised to visit your referring doctor along with the report for the final interpretation of your test results.
