India: Gujurat doctors seeing an increasing number of coronavirus cases where patients have negative RT-PCR tests but CT scans reveal significant infection in the lungs
The medical fraternity in Gujarat have come across an increasing number of cases where patients test negative in RT-PCR report but a high-resolution CT (HRCT) reveals significant infection in the lungs.
Vadodara Municipal Corporation has issued a notification stating that “the new strain of (novel) coronavirus [B.1.617] is highly contagious and the virus does not necessarily show a positive test on RT-PCR. In cases where RT-PCR is negative but findings in HRCT and lab investigations are suggestive of viral etiology, the claim should be treated as that of Covid unless proved otherwise,” states VMC’s order issued under the Epidemic Act.
According to Infectious disease specialist Dr Hiten Kareliya,”Covid-19 suspects should undergo RT-PCR tests and HRCT chest early instead of earlier practice where a patient would be asked to undergo CT scan only a couple of days after the test.
“We are seeing many cases where the patient has no symptoms or just mild fever and weakness but the infection spread to lungs rapidly,” he further said.
