SGRD Medical College started rapid COVID-19 Testing

Amritsar, April 21 (Punjab Post Bureau) –  SGPC run Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Sri Amritsar is the first centre to start Rapid COVID-19 antibody testing From 17^th April 2020.

           Speaking on this Dean Dr. A.P Singh informed that our agenda was to increase the COVID-19 testing capacity in the State with kits recommended by ICMR. Sensitivity of test is 86.4 3% and specificity is 99.5 7% and result of test can be obtained in 15 minutes with accuracy of 91.6 1%.

             Further speaking on this topic Dr. A.P Singh said that SARS-CoV-2 antibody test (Lateral Flow Method) is an immunochromatographic assay for rapid, qualitative detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG/ IgM antibody in human whole blood, serum or plasma sample. The test is to be used as an aid in the diagnosis of corona virus infection disease (COVID-19), which is caused by SARS-CoV-2. This test is based on principle of capture immunoassay for determination of COVID-19 antibodies in human blood, serum and plasma. Antibodies can be detected as early as one week after infection with slide difference between individuals and positive results indicates that infection with Corona virus.

              Institute has designed special chamber for testing that can perform with least human exposure following the concept of breaking the chain. These kits are recently approved by ICMR where minimal infra and man power is required which ultimately minimized the exposure.

                   On questioning about the immunity of public Dr. Singh told that It’s not yet clear how long any immunity period after a COVID-19 infection will turn out to be. Historical studies have indicated that people who survived the 2003 sudden acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak had antibodies in their blood for years after recovery. Both SARS and COVID-19 are caused by corona viruses, but it’s too early to say if COVID-19 will generate a similar immune response. Reports also indicate that some people have been infected with the virus twice over, meaning these particular patients didn’t develop any immunity at all.