RT-PCR Test for OMICRON – What you need to Know!

Do you need RT-PCR Test for OMICRON?

Omicron (B.1.1.529) is a SARS-CoV-2 variant that was first discovered in patients with COVID-19 in Botswana and South Africa. The WHO Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution ( TAG-VE) believed that this virus had many mutations and might readily spread over the world, resulting in an increase in COVID cases. As a result, TAG-VE designated it as a Variant of Concern.

According to the WHO, Omicron has now been recorded in 77 nations throughout the world; in reality, it is likely prevalent across most countries even if it’s not been recognized yet. There have been 101 instances of omicron documented in India. It is increasing at a rate unmatched by any other variation, and while some may dismiss it as causing a milder condition, the sheer number of cases could overwhelm the healthcare system. According to the WHO, vaccines alone would not be enough to get countries from this crisis. We have to put a stop to it! Vaccines, masks, social distancing, ventilation, and hand sanitation must be done regularly.

The arrival of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 strain has ringed the alarm around the world. The new strain poses a very high global danger, as per World Health Organization. According to preliminary studies, Omicron is extremely transmissible and may be able to overcome immunity generated by earlier viral exposure or vaccinations. Experts think that detecting the Omicron in time is critical to slowing its spread.

Who should get the Covid-19 test?

If you experience any symptoms, your healthcare professional may prescribe COVID-19 testing:

• Fever or shivers
• Cough.
• Breathing difficulties or breathlessness.
• Weariness.
• Aches in the muscles
• Headache.
• A sudden loss of taste or odor.
• Throat infection.
• Congestion or a runny nose
• Vomiting or dizziness.
• Diarrhea.

COVID-19 does not cause symptoms in everyone, and all the symptoms are not exhibited by infected people. Even if you’ve been immunized, when you’re feeling unwell during the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact your healthcare provider.

However, unlike other SARS-CoV-2 variants, which can only be found by genetic sequencing, the variant may be recognized by particular reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques that are utilized all over the world. It can help with early discovery and control of the variation.

However, it is possible that it is not as simple and uncomplicated as it appears. Most RT-PCR assays now in use in India, according to experts, may not even be able to distinguish amongst Omicron and other common variations. The promise of the RT-PCR test in finding the most recent mutation is discussed in this post.

What is the RT-PCR test and is it needed for OMICRON?

The COVID-19 RT-PCR test, which has been approved for use from February 2020, is a molecular test. It’s often considered the “gold standard” test because of its accuracy and consistency. The RT-PCR test includes taking samples from the upper respiratory tract with a nasal swab, separating genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and using the PCR technique to magnify the amounts of ribonucleic acid in the specimens into deoxyribonucleic acid, which is reproduced until the virus is observable if present.

Is it possible to detect the Omicron variant using RT-PCR tests?

It’s worth mentioning that the Omicron isn’t the only SARS-CoV-2 strain with spike protein alterations. The Alpha variant has alterations in the same area as the Beta version and may behave similarly in RT-PCR assays. Nonetheless, the Alpha variant’s incidence in the Indian population has decreased dramatically. As a result, the RT-PCR COVID-19 test can still be a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying and isolating probable Omicron variant carriers.

The effectiveness of an RT-PCR kit to detect the variation, according to experts, is primarily dependent on the primers. Regrettably, nothing is understood about the primer details of the bulk of Indian kits. As a result, it is impossible to predict whether or not a specific RT-PCR kit would be able to identify the variant.

Conclusion:

The Omicron variety has caused anxiety among scientists and the general public. Scientists believe the virus’s exceptionally high mutation rate makes it more transmissible and renders vaccinations useless. They claim that detecting the variation in a timely manner is critical to halting its spread. Fortunately, the Omicron form may be discovered using RT-PCR techniques which are already in use around the world.

The primers are used to detect the Omicron variation. The primer specs of the bulk of kits used in India, on the other hand, are largely unknown. It is hoped that the government and healthcare organizations will take proactive measures to get RT-PCR kits with primers that can diagnose the Omicron variant.

Hope this article has shown some insights on RT-PCR Test for the OMICRON variant.