Advisory for Rapid Antibody kits in COVID-19 hotspot areas

Indian Council of Medical Research reported that the National Task Force has reviewed the data evolving from various countries on use of Rapid Antibody Test kits and based on available evidence, the testing strategy for COVID-19 has been revised.

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Key-Points

The rapid antibody test kits to understand that gold standard frontline test for COVID-19 diagnosis is Real-Time PCR based molecular test, which is aimed at early virus detection.

The rapid antibody test cannot replace the frontline test.

It also said that the rapid antibody test is a supplementary tool to assess the prevalence of the diseases within a specific area, and the rapid antibody test will only be of utility after a minimum of seven days of onset of symptoms.

The rapid tests are emerging, and understanding of their utility for diagnosis is still evolving. In case any state does not have a hot spot, these tests may be used for any hotspot which may emerge in the future or as a surveillance tool for epidemiological purposes.