After accuracy concerns emerge, ICMR issues protocol for rapid antibody tests for COVID-19

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) wrote to state governments on Wednesday, April 22, specifying protocol for conducting rapid antibody tests. In a letter written to all Chief Secretaries, ICMR reiterated that rapid antibody tests are to be largely used as a tool for surveillance to ascertain formation of antibodies in a person exposed to COVID-19. It ted that utility of test was evolving globally. Moreover,  ICMR stressed that RT-PCR test was confirmatory test for diagsis of vel coronavirus infection. 

It made it clear that rapid antibody test cant replace RT-PCR test. Mentioning that it would continue to collect data from states to assess utility of se tests, ICMR stated that it would continue to advise states on this issue. state governments have been directed to use respective tests for purpose for which y are meant. 

Read: ICMR Directs State Govts To t Use Rapid Test Kits For Two Days Amid Accuracy Concerns

Read: 2 Chinese Manufacturers Under ICMR Scanner For Providing Faulty COVID Rapid Testing Kits

're is a lot of variation'

On Tuesday, ICMR advised state governments to t use rapid testing kits for next two days. This development came after various states complained about accuracy of aforesaid kits. 

Addressing a press briefing, Dr.Raman Gangakhedkar - head of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases at ICMR, conceded that re was a significant variation in positive RT-PCR samples. 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. 

Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar remarked, "You must have heard that rapid test kits have been distributed in all states. Yesterday, we received a complaint from a state that re is low detection. So, we asked three states today. After asking m, we have reached conclusion that re is a lot of variation in positive RT-PCR samples. In some places, ranging from 6% to 70%,  test on RT-PCR samples is coming positive. This is t a good thing as we will have to investigate it when variation is huge."

Read: ICMR Directs testing Of Asymptomatic Pregnant Women In Containment Zones Or Hotspots

Read: Rajasthan Stops Rapid Testing, Health Min Says Accuracy Of ICMR Testing Kit 'questionable'