Abstract

Introduction: COVID- 19 caused by Corovirus, is a global pandemic which our country has witnessed in its most disastrous way. Early diagnosis is always a prerequisite for a country in early detection and decreasing the prevalence in the world. As we have faced  the second disastrous wave in India where mortality rate increased upto 10% of detected cases, it is a strict prerequisite to lean on methods encouraging early diagnosis and prompt treatment. TrueNat, a nucleic acid amplification test, offers a fast, point of care diagnostic method which is a reliable, time bound and affordable.
Aims and Objective: The study warrants a compact, easy to approach, alternative diagnostic tool with possible measures like mobile NAAT labs(MiLaN) in a developing country like India which would help in timely diagnosis with approach to distant places in search of hidden cases with use of minimal resources. this study also aimed at the need for capacity building of technician which would further decrease the chances of technical inaccuracies
Materials and Methods: This is the study of 3310 samples received at a tertiary care centre in North India by a chip-based, real-time quantitative PCR system manufactured by Molbio diagnostics, Goa
Results: Comparative analysis of samples with different age groups were done in High detected, Medium detected, Low detected and Very low detected cases.
Discussion: Prompt timely diagnosis with approach to distant places in search of detection of hidden cases with high sensitivity and specificity warrants a compact, easy to approach, alternative diagnostic tool with possible measures like mobile NAAT labs (MiLaN) and capacity building of skilled technicians leading to decrease in technical inaccuracies.
Conclusion: Due to machine portability and accessible technical skills, True nat machine is highly recommended in settings where facilities for tertiary care laboratories are lagging.