Guj starts using rapid testing kits for COVID-19 surveillance

Ahmedabad, Apr 24 () The Gujarat government hasstarted using the rapid antibody testing kits for COVID-19surveillance in the state, despite the apprehensions expressedin some quarters in the country over the use of these kits.

The state health department said that the rapidtesting kits will be used only for the purpose of surveillanceand not to determine if someone is COVID-19 positive or not.

Earlier, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)had asked all the states to put on hold the use of rapidtesting kits for some time after inconsistencies were found inthe test results. It had later said that these kits could beused for surveillance.

"Gujarat has received 24,000 rapid testing kits fourdays back," Principal Secretary, Health, Jayanti Ravi, said.

"Before starting its use, we calibrated these kits toavoid any issues afterwards. We even imparted training to thestaff on how to conduct tests. When our experts found thatthere was still an issue of calibration, we addressed it,"Ravi told reporters in Gandhinagar.

"Then the ICMR also informed us to put on hold thetests using these kits. We used that time for impartingtraining to our staff even at taluka level. Now, we havestarted rapid testing in 30 (out of 33) districts. This testis for only surveillance. It will give us an idea about thepresence of suspected cases in a particular area," she said.

"Antibody tests are not final and conclusive. If wefind any positive case using rapid testing, we will confirm itby doing the RT-PCR test, which is considered as final. TheseRTPCR tests are carried out in 16 government laboratoriesacross the state," she added. PJT PDNP NP