The president of the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET), Bohol chapter, explains the difference between the so-called reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test and the rapid antibody test as a way to educate the public on the two kinds of tests associated with the ongoing response of the world against the Covid pandemic.
In a radio interview this afternoon (Monday, June 1, 2020), PAMET Bohol president Che S. Acierto gave an explanation between the two tests.
The explanation was aired over DYTR’s “Newsmakers ug Uban Pa” radio program hosted by Ardy Ines Araneta – Batoy and Gloria Leodivica Ines Araneta.
Acierto said that the RT-PCR detects the presence of the virus itself, while the antibody test detects the presence of antibodies produced by the human body, which is a natural reaction to a viral infection.
In the same interview, Acierto said that a person who tests positive of the rapid antibody test does not mean the person is Covid positive.
Acierto added that the specificity of the rapid antibody test is low.
Acierto further explained that the specificity tells how true the negative result is.
On the other hand, sensitivity of the test tells how true the positive result is, Acierto said.
Acierto continued by giving an example: if the test has a 50% specificity and sensitivity, it means the test is 50% true positive and 50% true negative.
Acierto explained, further, that a positive result in the rapid antibody test means that a patient may be having a viral infection causing the body to produce antibodies, but not necessarily the Covid virus.
She said that it would take years to develop accurate tests that will detect the Covid virus given the disease has just been discovered.
The medical technologist also said that any patient who tests positive in the rapid antibody test should not be automatically considered as a Covid infected person.
Doctors have said that the RT-PCR is the gold standard as far as diagnosing the presence of Covid infection is concerned.
As the rapid antibody test is not fully reliable, a positive result in a rapid antibody test needs to be confirmed by an RT-PCR test.
Presently, Acierto works as one of the top officers at the Teodoro Galagar District Memorial Hospital based in Jagna town.
She is known, not only for skill in Medical Technology, but also for her skill in leadership and in dealing with people.
