‘Test on Demand’ Recommended for COVID-19 by ICMR

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued an advisory on the strategy for COVID-19 testing. It has recommended 'testing on-demand' and made it compulsory only in individuals traveling Indian states or countries that mandate a negative test report at the point of entry.

'Test on Demand' strategy has been recommended by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for COVID-19 testing. The advisory states that the testing on demand should be done for individuals who wish to get tested. Those traveling to other countries and Indian states mandate a negative test report at the point of entry.

The advisory states that "State governments to decide the simplified modalities."

Coronavirus
Coronaviruses infect animals, humans, and birds. Human coronaviruses, such as SARS, MERS, and 2019-nCoV cause respiratory distress and even death. The S protein is the infectious agent of the virus.

‘The new 'testing on-demand' advisory issued by ICMR states that testing for COVID0-19 should be done only on individuals who wish to get tested. The advisory recommends that no emergency procedure like delivery or surgery should be denied for the lack of tests.’
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ICMR'S advisory stated that no emergency procedure, including deliveries, should be delayed for lack of test.

The advisory on pregnant women states that "Pregnant women should not be referred for lack of testing facility, and all arrangements should be made to collect and transfer their samples to the testing facilities."

It states that mothers who test positive for Covid-19 infection should be encouraged to engage in frequent washing of hands before handling the infant, cleaning of breasts before feeding, and wearing masks, for fourteen days.

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"They should also be advised on breast cleaning before feeding the neonate. These measures are likely to reduce transmission to their babies," the advisory said.

As per the advisory 100%, people living in the containment zones should undergo Rapid Antibody Test or RAT to prevent widespread transmission of the infection.

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The advisory added, "No re-testing is recommended prior to discharge from a Covid-19 facility after clinical recovery, including for transfer from a COVID-19 area and facility to a non-infected area."

Home quarantine for 14 days is recommended for all individuals before undergoing elective surgery to minimize chances of infection

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Source-Medindia