RT-PCR false negative is possible, says AIIMS chief Randeep Guleria

New Delhi: As the spike in Covid -19 cases in the country continue to rise exponentially, Dr Randeep Guleria, Director of AIIMS, clarified that an RT-PCR false negative is possible as the test is only 80 per cent sensitive while speaking to the NDTV.

Answering whether the RT-PCR can detect new strains of the virus, Dr Randeep Guleria, replied that current RT-PCR tests can pick up all the mutant strains, provided if the test is done properly.

"We should continue to be vigilant and we have to keep on being ahead of the virus, as the virus is rapidly mutating as we go along," said Dr Randeep Guleria.

Also, speaking about symptomatic patients testing covid negative, Dr Guleria said if a patient has symptoms and tests negative, they should get a re-test in 24 hours and get blood tests and CT scan done to look for other markers.

" Those symptomatic but awaiting reports should also start treatment." Dr Randeep Guleria added.