RT-PCR test not effective on new coronavirus mutant

New Delhi : RT-PCR test is the only way with which coronavirus infection can be detected in a human. To the shock, it is now failing on the new mutant as several people tested negative but were diagnosed with the symptoms.

According to a news report by Times Now, a doctor has said that the new mutant is able to escape the RT-PCR test.

Dr Souradipta Chandra, Consultant Physician at Helvetia Medical Centre in Delhi, said that there are likely double and triple mutant variants of COVID-19

“New mutant seems to be undetectable by RT-PCR test. I believe there are double and triple mutant varieties and due to change in structure, RT-PCR tests are unable to detect it. New varieties seem to cause new symptoms,” Times Now quoted Dr Chandra.

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“We're seeing patients with diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rashes, conjunctivitis, confusion state, brain fog, bluish discolouration of fingers and toes, bleeding through nose and throat apart from the usual symptoms - sore throat, body ache, fever, loss of smell and taste,” the doctor added.

Meanwhile, India has reported more than 3.46 lakh new coronavirus cases in a day on Friday. More than 2200 people lost their lives to the infection in same time duration.