Medical experts in Indonesia proposed using the PCR test rather than serology. (Image via Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

Experts: PCR is better at detecting COVID-19 than serology

Alfonsus Adi Putra
Business & Industry
Medical and Health
Mar 29, 2020
2343
Doctors and medical experts in Indonesia suggested the Indonesian government use polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based rapid molecular test to detect the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) more accurately. Until now, the rapid test is still using serology or blood test.

Dr. Agus Dwi Susanto, head of pulmonology and respiration medicine department at the University of Indonesia (UI), estimated that there are many undetected cases among the Indonesian people. This might cause a surge in infection cases since people don’t even realize the human-to-human transmission between them.

Therefore, Agus pointed out that PCR, whose accuracy is faster than serology, can detect COVID-19 faster even though it needs reconfirmation by Real Time-PCR (RT-PCR) swab test from the laboratory appointed by the Indonesian government.

Agus added that for those who died as patients under surveillance, the test could come out faster. Hence, it could prevent more mortalities.

Secretary-General of the Indonesian Hospital Association, Dr. Lia Gardenia Partakusuma, said that the accuracy and speed of COVID-19 detection will affect the capacity of the hospitals. The faster the detection, the lesser patients it will be.

As the PCR-based test yields faster results, the hospitals can quickly decide further treatment for the patients to minimalize piling.

Source: https://bit.ly/2JprxIe

Medical , Health , Pandemic , Prevention , Test , ASEAN , Indonesia , COVID-19