Pune: Average 49.4% of all Covid tests are now being carried out through RT-PCR in Maharashtra, more than 20 days after the State decided to only rely on RT-PCR testing to decide on weekly pepititives.
State officials said the share of RT-PCR rose after the existing laboratories were asked to do more tests – by working in three shifts.
Officials also use more vans to transport samples from rural parts to the city center.
“With more than 250 RT-PCR laboratories, the state has never had a lack of capacity.
Previously, there was a decrease in testing in this lab,” said a health official.
Last month, only 41% of tests were RT-PCR, because most of the districts were deployed by a fast antigen test.
After the order has more RT-PCR tests passed by the state government in mid-June, the testing rate increased to 43%, 44% and finally, up to 49% this week.
“Disadvalued districts also increase their RT-PCR share,” said State officials.
The official added that the aim was to have more accurate Covid-19 supervision throughout the state.
“We don’t ask for local authorities to fully avoid mice as they use.
But the RT-PCR test is more reliable when deciding on weekly pepititives,” he said.
This week, according to data from July 8 to July 14, districts such as Parbhani (85%), Yavatmal (81%), Nagpur (81%), kolhapur (75%), Gondia (78%) continues to have a better one , Share the RT-PCR test.
Lab personnel say pressure on them has subsided due to a decrease in Covid cases.
“But if the case rises, it will be difficult to have more RT-PCR tests,” said an official lab.
RT-PCR tests produce far more accurate results than fast test kits.
In early June, the analysis of negative rat tests was positive when retested by RT-PCR revealed that a quick test had been missed up to 33.7% of Covid cases.
This study is based on field tests in Mumbai.
At that time, more than 60% of Covid-19 testing daily in Maharashtra was being carried out using mice, preferably by citizens and the government for ease of use and a shorter settlement time.
Public health experts have said that it is too relied on mice – while testing large population groups can produce surveillance gaps.