Finding the right tests…
Emergency services available 24 x 7
Emergency services available 24 x 7
Finding the right tests…
Molecular
Standard COVID-19 RT-PCR looks for SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in a nasal or nasopharyngeal swab, using a lab-based process that copies and detects the virus's RNA rather than relying on portable point-of-care equipment. Your sample travels to a laboratory where a reverse transcription step converts viral RNA into DNA, then repeated amplification cycles multiply any target sequence present until it's detectable. This route is treated as the reference method against which faster tests, including antigen tests and portable chip-based platforms, are measured, since it can pick up smaller amounts of virus than either. Because the sample goes through a full lab workflow rather than a bedside device, it typically involves more processing steps than a point-of-care option.
A result of 'detected' or 'positive' means the test found SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in your sample, indicating an active infection whether or not you have symptoms. A result of 'not detected' or 'negative' means the virus's genetic material wasn't found in your sample at the time of testing, which is reassuring but can be a false negative if you were tested very early in the infection, before the virus reached detectable levels in your airway. Because this method detects genetic material directly rather than a surface protein, it generally picks up infections that some other test types miss.
SARS-CoV-2 stores its genetic instructions as RNA, not DNA, so the lab first runs a reverse transcription step that converts the RNA in your sample into a DNA copy. Polymerase chain reaction then repeatedly copies a specific stretch of that DNA, doubling it each cycle, until there's enough to trigger a detectable signal if the virus was present at all.
The swab needs to reach cells from the back of the nose or nasal wall where the virus concentrates, not just the very tip of the nostril. A rushed or shallow swab can under-collect viral material and contribute to a false negative even when someone is genuinely infected.
Health authorities treat RT-PCR as the most reliable of the routine SARS-CoV-2 tests because it can detect smaller amounts of viral genetic material than antigen-based methods. Other platforms, including rapid antigen tests and portable chip-based molecular tests, are typically validated by comparing their results against this method.
Timing affects accuracy - testing too soon after exposure, before the virus has multiplied enough in your airway, can produce a negative result even in someone who later tests positive. If your symptoms and exposure history still point toward COVID-19 despite a negative result, your doctor may recommend retesting after a few days.
RT-PCR detects the virus's genetic material directly and can pick up smaller amounts of virus, while an antigen test looks for viral proteins and needs a higher amount of virus present to turn positive. That's why RT-PCR is generally considered more reliable, especially early in an infection.
Both detect the virus's genetic material using PCR chemistry, but Truenat runs on a portable, battery-powered chip-based device suited to point-of-care settings, while this standard test runs on lab-based equipment. Standard lab RT-PCR is the method other platforms are usually measured against.
Yes, particularly if you're tested very early after exposure, before the virus has multiplied enough in your airway to be detected. If your symptoms or exposure history still suggest COVID-19 despite a negative result, ask your doctor about retesting.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
It means the test found SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in your sample, which indicates an active infection whether or not you currently have symptoms.
Yes. The swab needs to properly sample the nasal wall or the back of the throat, not just the surface of the nostril, since a shallow or rushed collection can miss viral material even in a true infection.
Your doctor or local health guidance will tell you how long to isolate and when it's safe to be around others again, based on your symptoms and overall health.