ICMR Issues New Guidelines For RT-PCR Testing Amid Second Coronavirus Wave

As per the ICMR Advisory, if a person has once tested Coronavirus positive during the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) or RT-PCR test, then there is no need for that individual to undergo RT-PCR test again.

Photo Courtesy: PTI

The second wave of Coronavirus is turning out to be deadly with India witnessing an unprecedented upsurge of COVID-19 cases and deaths every day. As the human tragedy unfolds due to shortage of oxygen, drugs, vaccines and beds in hospitals, India's health infrastructure has completely collapsed. Meanwhile, a new advisory has been issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) regarding Covid-19 testing.

As per the ICMR Advisory, if a person has once tested Coronavirus positive during the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) or RT-PCR test, then there is no need for that individual to undergo RT-PCR test again.

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Along with this, the apex health reserach body also stated to completely remove RT-PCR test in a healthy person, traveling from one state to another so that the increased pressure on laboratories can be reduced. All asymptomatic individuals undertaking essential travel must follow COVID appropriate behaviour, the advisory stated.

"The RT-PCR test must not be repeated in any individual who has tested positive once either by RAT or RT-PCR

"The need for RT-PCR test in healthy individuals undertaking inter-state domestic travel may be completely removed to reduce the load on laboratories," the advisory recommended.

India, for seventh consecutive day reported more than three and a half lakh Coronavirus positive cases.  According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Health, in the last 24 hours, 357,229 new corona cases have been reported and 3449 infected people lost their lives.  However, 3,20,289 people have  recovered from the dreaded infection.

Earlier on Sunday, 368,060 new cases were recorded in the country.  Around 40 percent of the cases around the world are being reported from India every day.