COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF COBAS 6800, RT-PCR, AND TRUENAT SARS-COV-2 IN ROUTINE DIAGNOSIS OF COVID19.

Abstract

Introduction - In December 2019, a group of patients of unknown aetiology with atypical pneumonia emerged in Wuhan, China [1]. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS CoV-2), a novel beta-coronavirus was identied as the cause of these cases [2]. RTPCR testing leads to delay in diagnosis in cases where early and rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 is warranted which leads to tension and anxiety both among patient and treating health care workers. Material And Methods- This retrospective observational study was designed and conducted at the Department of Microbiology; Moti Lal Nehru Medical College (MLNMC), Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh. This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC). All study data was retrieved from Hospital Information System of medical college. Result - Among 200 patients, sample for Truenat, RT-PCR and Cobas 6800 testing were collected during study period. Out of 200 samples 57(28.5%) samples were positive by Cobas 6800 with 15(7.5%) invalid results and 128(64%) negative results. In RT-PCR 71(35.5%) samples were positive and 129(64.5%) samples were negative with no invalid results. 200 positive samples were then selected from the RTPCR and COBAS 6800 positive samples for Truenat testing. Out of these 200 positive samples results of 60(30%) samples were presumptive positive and 128(64%) were negative invalid results 12(6%). Conclusion- we have concluded that RT-PCR is the best diagnostic method for the detection of COVID-19 in a country like India, where there is shortage of trained man power, well equipped labs and poor infrastructure. It also reduces the nancial burden in the era of pandemics, where whole population needs to be catered.