ICMR forwards protocols of using rapid antibody testing kits to states, assures assistance

Just a day after Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) directed states to halt testing through rapid antibody kits, apex medical organisation in country has forwarded a protocol for use of se kits. It has also communicated to states that antibody rapid tests are largely to be used as a tool of surveillance and cant replace RT-PCR tests to diagse COVID-19 cases. Earlier, several states had complained of faulty rapid antibody testing kits provided by ICMCR which had 'objectionable' accuracy. 

ICMR has also reiterated that utility of se kits is evolving and that test results are also dependent on field conditions. medical council has assured assistance to collect data from several states and shall keep advising states on a regular basis. 

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ICMR directs states to halt use of rapid testing kits

ICMR on Tuesday had directed state governments to t use rapid testing kits for next two days. This development comes after various states complained about accuracy of aforesaid kits. Addressing a press briefing on Tuesday, Dr.Raman Gangakhedkar- head of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases at ICMR conceded that re was a significant variation in positive RT-PCR samples.

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At same time, he observed that tests might be in a crude form as only three and a half months had passed since outbreak of vel coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, Dr.Gangakhedkar anunced that ICMR would try to validate kits in field instead of laboratories in coming two days and issue a detailed advisory subsequently. 

Incidentally, two Chinese companies have also come under ICMR scanner for allegedly providing faulty rapid antibody testing kits. It is believed that se companies provided over 7 million kits which were brought into country through sorties from Air India and or commercial jetliners amid lockdown. 

READ | Rajasthan Stops Rapid Testing, Health Min Says Accuracy Of ICMR Testing Kit 'questionable'

COVID Crisis

With 1383 new cases and 50 deaths reported in last 24 hours, India's total number of positive COVID-19 cases stands at 19,984, said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday. total number of cases include 15,474 active cases and 640 deaths. As many as 3,869 people have been recovered so far while one has migrated. 

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