The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has changed its testing strategy to recommend for the increased use of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) as there is a rapid spread of COVID-19. This is mainly for upscaling the field testing to identify cases early and to isolate them immediately to reduce transmission of coronavirus infection.

The ICMR is not changing its view that an RT-PCR is the gold standard test, however it feels that a higher use of RAT will be suitable in the context of an increasing number of cases and the necessity to check both clusters and spread in therural populations. It means a change in the 70:30 ratio of RT-PCR to RAT as recommended so far.

ICMR also stated that it is going to explore home-based testing solutions for reducing the risk of exposure with faster results along with “rationalisation” of RT-PCR tests. It has advised against repeat tests once a positive result was reported and not to wait for a negative report if there were no symptoms for 5 days.

ICMR Director General, Balram Bhargava said that at the field level, in rural areas and in areas which are difficult to reach, they have started using the RAT more aggressively. Earlier their recommendation was 70% RT-PCR and 30% RAT testing but since the wave is intense, they have requested that RAT testing should be done faster for quicker isolation and breaking the chain.

The council has directed the states and UTs to set up multiple 24X7 RAT booths in all cities, towns and also villages. Also, RATs should be allowed at all government and private healthcare facilities and there is no need for accreditation.

Source: ET Healthworld