CHARACTERIZATION AND ANALYSIS OF PATIENT UNDER GOING COVID 19 RTPCR AT TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Abstract

INTRODUCTION RT- PCR testing (Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) is most reliable diagnostic procedure for covid 19 screening.In the absence of effective treatments or preventive measures, all attempts to control the pandemic were based on RT-PCR testing of upper respiratory specimens, which is considered the diagnostic gold standard [1]RT-PCR COVID-19 testing is a generally safe and well-tolerated procedure, but numerous complications have been reported during this procedure. MATERIAL AND METHOD Retrospective study of 1524 Patients for RT-PCR testing were carried out from 1st February 2021 to 30th June 2021 and complications of testing were studied. RESULT Most common complication was broken swab in nasal cavity seen in 0.33% individuals. Second most common complication was epistaxis seen in 0.26% individuals.Least common complications were fainting and foreign body in throat seen in 0.13% and 0.07% of individuals respectively. Complications like CSF leak, septal abscess and pharyngeal abscess were not seen. CONCLUSION Our study reviewed the complications during COVID 19 RT-PCR testing. Sufficient anatomical and clinical knowledge of nasopharyngeal anatomical structures are required to lower the incidence of adverse events and also to protect patients from preventable but often underestimated risks.