Application and Interpretation of Antibody-based Rapid Test Kits in the Context of Laboratory Diagnosis of COVID-19
Selvaraj Stephen, Jothimani Pradeep
Citation Information :
Stephen S, Pradeep J. Application and Interpretation of Antibody-based Rapid Test Kits in the Context of Laboratory Diagnosis of COVID-19. 2020; 3 (3):104-106.
Rapid kits, which are known as point-of-care (POC) tests, are extremely helpful in the diagnosis of infectious diseases, especially in remote rural areas as well as in physicians’ clinics. Since the results are available within 30 minutes, appropriate treatment can be initiated without delay and thus avoiding any complications/mortality. However, in the present scenario of COVID-19 pandemic, the need for adequate validation of the antibody-based rapid kits as an emergency is a challenge. The test results of these kits are to be interpreted with sufficient caution and proper clinical correlation. Track records of the kit manufacturers need proper scrutiny before taking a decision to use a particular test kit.
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