Comparison of rapid antigen testing and RT-PCR in the diagnosis of COVID-19 in Kashmir division

Authors

  • Tahir A. Magray Divisional COVID Control Room, Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
  • Talat Jabeen Divisional COVID Control Room, Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
  • Rouf H. Rather Divisional COVID Control Room, Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
  • Umar Nazir Divisional COVID Control Room, Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
  • Muneer A. Kumar Divisional COVID Control Room, Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
  • Feroz A. Wani Divisional COVID Control Room, Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6082-670X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20220788

Keywords:

COVID-19, Rapid antigen testing, RT-PCR testing

Abstract

Background: Accurate diagnosis and widespread use of diagnostic tests with easy access is important to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2. A Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has high cost and can be performed in special laboratories. There have been several easy to perform rapid antigen detection tests developed and recommended to use at point of care for timely detection of positive patients and their isolation to limit the spread of infection. The aim of the study was to compare the cost effectiveness and the role of RT-PCR and rapid antigen testing in diagnosing different suspects of COVID-19.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study the data of all the suspected cases who underwent COVID-19 testing over a period of seven weeks at divisional level was used for analysis.

Results: The widespread use of rapid antigen testing makes it more cost effective in detecting COVID-19 cases than the highly sensitive and specific RT-PCR testing.

Conclusions: Rapid antigen tests can be used as a screening testing tool in high-risk groups to identify the infected persons quickly and for preventing the transmission of infection particularly in low resource settings.

Author Biographies

Talat Jabeen, Divisional COVID Control Room, Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India

SSO/Epidemiologist, Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir

Rouf H. Rather, Divisional COVID Control Room, Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Medical Officer, Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir

Umar Nazir, Divisional COVID Control Room, Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Medical Officer, Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir

Muneer A. Kumar, Divisional COVID Control Room, Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India

District Agriculture Officer, Directorate of Agriculture, Kashmir

References

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Published

2022-03-24

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Original Research Articles