What is Gen N? How do I know if I have been tested positively for the Delta variant or omicron variant? How do I check the CT value? This is a very common question, people ask each other when they download the Covid-19 test report.
It is very important to understand what is being held by the Covid-19 test report so that one can know the severity of the infection.
Here we have translated the Covid test report-19 step by step:
ORF1AB: collectively refers to open reading frames, ORF1A and ORF1B, found in the Coronavirus genome.
They encode Polyprotein 1A, B involved in RNA synthesis and disrupt the immune response.
When the virus genome enters the target cell, this polyprotein forms 16 non-structural proteins which consequently form a complex replication-transcription that helps translate and replication of genome.
ORF1AB is also called replacase genes.
N Gene: With simple words, n genes or nucleocapsids are a type of coronavirus structural protein.
“The nucleocapsid protein of some viruses has been shown to play several regulatory roles during viral pathogenesis.
They are equipped with specific structural motifs and / or sequence of signatures, which with them associated with other viral / host factors and tilting the host cellular machines in such a way.
That method Being more profitable for the survival of the virus, “said a research study.
This is a potential target for virus detection.
During the intracellular life cycle, Covid-19 induces Coronavirus replicating the RNA genome.
At present, Coronavirus detection is done by detection of RT-PCR real-time from two target genes, open 1AB reading frames (ORF1AB) and nucleocapsid protein (N).
In this method, genetic material in the specimen is strengthened and the existence of a virus is detected.
RNA is extracted from the sample and reversed is transcribed into DNA.
This DNA is used as a template to detect the existence of a virus through amplification.
Positive tests confirm the existence of viruses in the human body and call for isolation and quarantine immediately.
The RT-PCR test results are determined by the CT value.
What is the value of CT?
Abbreviation of the cycle threshold, CT value, is the number of cycles where fluorescence PCR products can be detected above and above the background signal.
For example, if the low CT value means the virus is detected in a fewer cycles which means that the body has a high viral load or a large number of viruses present in the body.
The CT value greater than 35 is considered a negative covid and a CT value of less than 35 is considered a positive covid.
So, if the CT value between the 25-30 range means that the patient is Covid-19 positive because the virus is detected in a fewer cycles than the threshold, which is 35.
In simple words, the virus is detected in less than 35 cycles that imply a high presence of viruses inside the body.
Likewise, the CT value of less than 20 means the virus is found in less than 20 cycles that show high viral load in the body.
A study in AIIMS, Bhubaneswar found that the proportion of patients with a CT value of less than 25 higher during the second wave in India.
However, globally the CT value received ranges from 35 and 40.
ICMR has standardized it as 35 based on laboratory reports.
Wrong interpretation of CT values
The CT value can even vary in the same individual depending on the source of the specimen.
Nasal and oropharyngeal specimens can show different CT values.
A person may not directly associate the CT value with the risk of infection and high disease severity.
Patients in the initial symptomatic stage can show a high CT value that can change as a reduced infection impact.
According to research studies, the CT value does not only provide information about the existence of Coronavirus, it also helps in understanding virus behavior during infection.
However, he has clinical limitations because of the various factors where important is the technical competence of people who do tests, calibration equipment and pipettes and analytical translator skills.
See also:
Coronavirus: 14 Symptoms of Rady Omicron from most of the most common
Covid: Understanding what RT-PCR test reports are said
