RT-PCR testing is something that we have been hearing since the outbreak of coronavirus. With the new variant of Covid, Omicron in question, there is again a rise in the number of cases, leading to mandatory testing for those travelling. Apart from the PCR testing, the other test is the LFT or the Lateral Flow Test. PCR or Polymerase Chain Reaction is a diagnosis technique that is used to detect the covid-19 virus with the help of DNA detection. Lateral Flow Test or LFT is a technique that provides rapid results and is generally used in cases where there are no symptoms present in the patient. On one hand where PCR testing needs to be taken to a laboratory for proper testing, a rapid test or lateral flow test can be done at home. Let us take a deep dive into this article and learn about these two types of testing techniques used for detecting the Covid-19 virus from Dr. Rishabh Kohli, Wellness Healthcare.
What is a PCR test?
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PCR is an abbreviation for Polymerase Chain Reaction that is used to detect the genetic material from a specific organism. This molecular test is capable of detecting the virus fragments. By looking at the genetic material, this test analyzes a patient’s upper respiratory specimen. The technology of PCR test works by finding the DNA and RNA or an abnormal cell or a disease causing organism in the given sample. PCR can find the evidence of the infection at an early stage. This way of testing is said to be the most effective diagnosis of the covid-19 virus as it can detect the disease even if there is only a small amount of pathogens present in the body. PCR test is used to diagnose certain infectious diseases, to detect a disease causing genetic change and for the identification of small amounts of cancer cells that are not detected in other types of tests.
How does it work?
By now we have understood about the effectiveness of the PCR test, let us take a step ahead and learn about the way in which the PCR test works-
- A DNA sample of a person is taken in the form of blood, tissue, saliva or mucus
- As this sample consists of your DNA, it might also carry the DNA of the infectious pathogen or cancer cell.
- This sample is then placed in a machine along with an enzyme called polymerase.
- This enzyme produces multiple copies of the given sample.
- Over time multiple copies of this sample are produced that are indicated by the machine if a pathogen sample is present.
What is the LFT test?
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LFT of the Lateral Flow Test is another type of diagnosis technique that has gained a lot of popularity during the Covid era. This technique has been in existence for a long time and has been used for diagnosis of various health conditions. This test is used for people who do not exhibit any kind of symptoms of the covid-19 virus and provides very quick results.
How does it work?
As lateral flow testing is a diagnosis technique that one can perform at home, here are some of the steps that you can follow in order to perform this test effectively.
- Wash your hands properly or disinfect them with a sanitizer.
- Place the items of the test kit onto a clean surface.
- Take a clean swab and gently take a sample from your throat and then from your nose.
- Put the end of the swab into the tube filled with the provided liquid.
- Wait for the time mentioned on the test kit.
- Read your result and do not wait for more than the instructed time.
What is the Difference between the two?
Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR testing was the first available test for spotting the coronavirus which is known to be very effective and efficient. This technique works by detecting the genetic material present in your blood or saliva. Lateral Flow Test or LFT is also known as the rapid test which can be performed by a person simply at the ease of their home. Where both these tests are done by taking the sample with the help of a swab from a person's nose or throat, the PCR test needs to be sent to a laboratory for results whereas the results of LFT tests can be seen on the spot.
(With inputs from Dr. Rishabh Kohli, Wellness Healthcare)