COVID-19: ICMR Issues New Guidelines For RT-PCR, RAT

The central government has revised the country’s coronavirus-testing rules. This is to reduce pressure on diagnostic labs amid a spurt of coronavirus cases. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued fresh guidelines for Covid-19 testing on May 4. They have talked about reducing RT-PCR tests to take the load off the existing laboratories.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) issues advisory for COVID19 testing during the second wave of the pandemic; RTPCR test must not be repeated in any individual who has tested positive once either by RAT or RTPCR. pic.twitter.com/Tjkez7lmaL

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2021

According to the new guidelines issued, an “RT-PCR test must not be repeated in any individual who has tested positive once either by RAT or RT-PCR”. Recovered individuals who get discharged from hospitals will not require another round of testing.

The ICMR also seeks to remove mandatory negative RT-PCR test reports for healthy individuals undertaking inter-state domestic travel. These steps are taken to reduce the load on laboratories.

ICMR has recommended no RT-PCR tests if

1. An individual has tested positive by rapid antigen test.

2. An individual has tested positive once by an RT-PCR test.

3. One has completed 10 days home isolation period with no fever for the last three days.

4. At the time of hospital discharge.

5. A healthy individual is undertaking interstate domestic travel. While this is a requirement imposed by states, ICMR said this can completely be removed to reduce the load on laboratories.

At present India’s overall COVID-19 caseload has surged to 2,02,82,833.

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