A day after advising states not to use the newly distributed rapid testing kits to detect coronavirus infection for the next two days, the ICMR issued a protocol reiterating their usage for surveillance purpose while stating that RT-PCR tests must be continued vigorously as the principal diagnostic test for COVID19.
In view of the issues raised by a few states about the rapidtest kits, Additional Director General of Indian Council of Medical research(ICMR), Dr GS Toteja in his letter to Chief Secretaries of states and UTs onWednesday said ICMR has always emphasised that RT-PCR test of throat and/ornasal swab is the confirmatory test for detection of COVID19 at an early stage.
It said that in its advisory dated April 17, the apexmedical research body had clearly laid down the scope, purpose and usage of therapid antibody tests.
“I would like to reiteratethat antibody rapid tests are largely to be used as a tool for surveillancewith respect to formation of antibody in persons exposed to the virus,” Totejasaid.
“These test results arealso dependent on field conditions. We have been given to understand that manystates have procured such kits and on state request, ICMR has also arranged andmade available rapid antibody test kits with a clear understanding that thesekits cannot replace the RT-PCR test diagnosis for COVID19 cases,” he said inhis letter.
“However, to further assist the state, ICMR will continue tocollect data from various states to assess the scope and extent of utility ofthese rapid antibody tests in field conditions of our country and will keepadvising the states on regular basis,” the letter added.
He advised the states to follow the prescribed protocol forthese tests and use it for the purpose for which these kits are meant.
“It is reiterated that to contain coronavirus infection, RT-PCR tests must be continued vigorously as the principal diagnostic tests,” Toteja stated.