Parents prefer antibody test to RT-PCR for kids in Ludhiana

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 22

After students tested positive for Covid in Ludhiana district, parents are reportedly getting their kids tested for antibodies, not RT-PCR, if they observe any symptoms. Some are going in for the antibodies test even of asymptomatic children.

As a result, many kids have shown the presence of antibodies while they were unaware of being Covid-positive at any point of time.

A paediatrician from a private hospital said parents were really scared after schools reopened and students started testing positive. “Many were reluctant to get their kids tested for Covid. So, they went ahead with the antibodies test. The fear of social stigma and being isolated seem to be the main reasons for not getting the test done,” the doctor said, adding: “But it is not possible to treat the patient on the basis of an antibodies test as it is not indicative of the present status of the virus.”

Dr Bishav Mohan, a senior cardiologist, said getting an antibodies test or CT-scan done could not determine if one was currently infected with the virus. “It takes 2-3 weeks to develop enough antibodies after infection. RT-PCR test is the only medium through which one can diagnose Covid. Rest everything is futile,” he said.

An official from the Health Department said: “If a person has symptoms and the test shows presence of antibodies, he should immediately isolate himself.”