India is gearing up to begin “pool testing” to amp up test results, contact tracing and reduce burdensome working process in laboratories and thereby reducing the amount of physical activity and hours spent by staff in laboratories.
The pooled testing method comprises collating multiple swab samples together, and testing them using a single RTPCR test ie Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. If that test is negative, it indicates that all the people tested are negative. However, if the test is positive, each individual’s samples are sent back and tested separately, to identify positive individuals.
The sole purpose of opting to pool testing is to use this technique as most of the Corona Tests are negative after testing. This will save time from the cumbersome process for the medical staff and also would be a saviour for corona patients who desperately wait for the results.
Recently in Israel 64 blood samples have been tested at once. The government said it was making efforts to prevent the spread by switching to such testing techniques.
The Indian Council of Medical Research announced the decision on the pool testing technique on Thursday. These tests are conducted in hot spots, clusters, and crowded areas.
Tests for fever, cough, dry cough and cold are more preferred. Those who have these symptoms for seven days are called for tests.