Karnataka has recorded an increase in daily corona cases. Due to an increase in speculated false-negative coronavirus results in RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) tests among highly symptomatic patients, the Karnataka government has issued an annular to subject them to CT Thorax scans and other diagnostic methods. This has been done following the state expert committee recommendations aiming to reduce fatality by beginning COVID-19 treatment at the earliest.
Karnataka SSLC Supplementary Result 2020 Declared, Here's how to check it
A circular issued by the Jawaid Akhtar, Additional Chief Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) on Thursday said, “Viral infections manifest as a varied clinical syndrome, which are similar to many other pathogens. Hence, it is not possible to confirm the diagnosis of patients with COVID-19 or Influenza infection without a diagnostic test. And many times, in spite of clinical-radiological features suggestive of COVID-19 disease, the RT-PCR test, which is considered as a gold standard test, may be negative.”
The circular asserted CT Thorax has greater sensitivity (86%-98%) and lower false-negative rate than RT-PCR. It also noted with the increase in the spread of COVID-19 disease along with an increase in the number of tests every day, the percentage of false negatives are also increasing and it's expected to increase further in the future. Explaining the move, Dr. CN Manjunath, nodal officer for COVID-19 testing in the state, said, this circular was issued as often patients’ families do not want to start treatment stating a negative RT PCR test.
