What tests are used to detect Omicron?

RT PCR Test and DNA Sequencing Test are used to detect Omicron. Nasal Swabs and Oral Swabs collected from the suspected patient and Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests will be done. Which can show if the variant causing the infection looks like Omicron, Delta or something else.

If the RT PCR test results comes as positive and it shows 'S' Gene negative then those samples are referred to DNA Sequencing for conforming the omicron variant.

Dual RT-PCR test to detect Omicron variant at low price:

The Union health ministry (Central Government) has suggested / advised all the states to adopt a dual RT-PCR testing strategy ahead of genome sequencing of Covid positive samples for Omicron variant detection.

With this new idea, suspected patients throat and nasal swab samples collected in the Viral transport medium (VTM) / Molecular Transport medium (MTM) will be tested using a standard COVID RT-PCR kit and if that sample detected positive, the same sample will go for second test with an RT-PCR kit having an S-gene as the target gene. Lab need to check whether 'S-Gene' Positive or Negative.

Only those samples showing S-gene dropout (S-Gene Negative) will go for genome sequencing for Omicron. This will also help in picking up the highly probable Omicron variant cases and save money and resources.

But not all "S-gene dropouts" will necessarily be Omicron - Full genomic sequencing is needed to conform Omicron variant.

What's the difference between Omicron and other variants? The Omicron variant has lots of different mutations compared with the normal COVID-19 virus, that haven't been seen before in any other variants. A large number of mutation are on the spike protein of the COVID virus, which is the target of most vaccines, and that's the main concern of the fear.

Which lab is testing omicron variant in Madurai, Tamil Nadu? What is the Price?

Agam Diagnostics doing the Omicron RTPCR testing. Results available at the 4-6hrs turn around time.

Price Rs.1500/-

For the Omicron COVID variant detection agam diagnostics using dual RT PCR method. If the S-Gene drop in the positive samples (Positive sample conformed by other target gene such us RDRP and N Gene. we inform these samples as suspected Omicron infected patient and we refer those samples to State Health department, Tamil Nadu for the further testing by Genome Sequencing (DNA Sequencing)

Agam Diagnostics, Tamil Nadu - Madurai, Trichy, Coimbatore all the branches Omicron RTPCR testing is available.

For More details: +91-8940 8940 79.

The Covid-19 pandemic: The story so far

2020 was a year that was famous for all the wrong reasons. As the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc across the entire globe, scientists and researchers around the world scrambled to find medical solutions that would stop the monster in its tracks.

Christened the SARS-CoV2 virus, this type of coronavirus is a new entrant to a society that has already seen and lived through other less virulent variations. The SARS Co-V2 virus is a highly contagious pathogen that spreads very easily amongst people. This lesser-known, microscopic organism has the deadly potential to cause respiratory tract infection, dysfunction of blood oxygenation and can cause a plethora of ailments that can lead to death.

More than a year since the first known report from Wuhan, China, the virus has mutated, and several variants are unleashing the second, third and fourth waves of infection all across the globe. Health checkup centres are reporting new strains that are more infectious and virulent.

The only silver lining in this bleak picture is what the advancement of science has given us: the vaccine. Scientists worldwide have toiled day and night to break records and scientific protocols to deliver the vaccines for Covid-19.

The Covid-19 vaccination scenario in India

In 2021, India opened a whole new, hopeful chapter with two vaccines with “Made In India’ labels. Serum Institute’s Covishield and Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin are approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization or CDSCO. The vaccination drive has now covered millions of people ranging from above 45 years of age and will be made available to those above 18 years from May 1st, 2021.

Let’s take a closer look at the vaccines made in India:

Covaxin

Every dose of Covaxin comprises millions of dead Coronaviruses, rendering it safe to be injected into the body. Once a dose is administered, the immune cells prompt the body’s immune system to recognise the dead virus and generate antibodies to fight against the new invader. Preliminary data from the first three phases of trials show that the vaccine has an efficacy rate of 81%. The vaccine is administered in two doses, with the second dose given only after 3 or 4 weeks.

Bharat Biotech has four facilities running to full capacity to produce 700 million doses by the end of 2021.

Covishield

Manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, the Oxford-Astra Zeneca vaccine is manufactured from a weakened version of the common cold virus called the Adenovirus from chimpanzees. The vaccine prompts the immune system to generate antibodies to prime the body against any coronavirus attacks. Similar to Covaxin, Covishield is administered in two doses given 4 to 12 weeks apart.

Sputnik V

The Indian government has approved the usage of a third vaccine amidst a deadly second wave of the pandemic. Sputnik V is a harmless, cold-type virus engineered to expose the body to a minute fragment of the virus’s genetic code. The body starts producing antibodies and prepares the immune system to take on the coronavirus if there is an infection.

Why you need to shield yourself with Covid-19 vaccines

Thanks to the advancements of science, genetic engineering, and genomic studies, we are fortunate enough to access these vaccines at a time when nothing else seems to give hope to end the pandemic.

Here’s why the Covid-19 vaccines are important and why you should take them:

The vaccines are safe and effective.

All Covid-19 vaccines are carefully evaluated with clinical trials before they are approved, authorised and rolled out for general use. Experts believe that vaccines can curb the disease from becoming more serious even if one is infected with the virus.

The vaccine improves immunity

To understand how Covid-19 vaccines build our immunity, we must understand their composition and how they work. All Covid-19 vaccines are known as mRNA or messenger RNA vaccines. The vaccines instruct the body cells to create a harmless spike protein, similar to the spike found on the surface of the coronavirus. The presence of the spike protein triggers the immune system to make antibodies to fight off the infection. This prepares the body to fight off any real infection from the coronavirus.

Side effects of the Covid-19 vaccines

Most vaccines will have mild side effects, resulting from the immune system’s response to them. Some of the common side effects reported so far are:

Mild fever.
Nausea.
Headache.
Body pain.
Soreness at the site of injection.

In very rare cases, it can trigger an allergic reaction that requires immediate medical help. Stopping this pandemic requires a herculean effort that is possible only with our cooperation in protecting ourselves and others. There is no reason to let your guard down even if you have received both doses. Always wear a mask, wash hands regularly and maintain social distancing.

Agam Diagnostics: Madurai’s leading health checkup centre

Agam Diagnostics is Madurai’s largest health checkup centre equipped with the staff and infrastructure needed to run complex diagnostic tests. Our lab is accredited with NABL and ICMR Approved Lab for COVID-19 RT PCR Test, COVID antibody tests, Other COVID package test, CRP, D-Dimer, Interleukin tests are available at economical cost. Agam diagnostics is authorized lab for Air travel passengers, Pilgrims COVID RTPCR test. Our Lab results are accepted in all the International / Domestic airports. RTPCR test results are available within 3 to 4 hours time. Our testing methods are quick, effective, reliable, accurate, and very affordable. Call us for more details!

Good Health: A priceless gift we give ourselves

Keeping a tab on our health is a gift we give ourselves and our loved ones. How hard can it be to have a general health checkup once or twice a year? One has absolutely nothing to lose by checking one's health status and taking necessary precautions. A complete health checkup carries more value than money saved in a bank or an investment in materialistic luxuries. It is an undebatable fact.

Not many of us realise the importance of good health or investing in keeping ourselves healthy until the doctor issues a warning. Thanks to the 21st-century lifestyle, the food we eat, and the mental stress we endure, good health has gone for a toss. Doctors are constantly warning us about the upward trend in early heart diseases and a slew of other health-related issues because of our lifestyle and food habits.

Economically-priced comprehensive health packages are available at every hospital and diagnostic centre. Doctors are encouraging people to have health checkups mainly for one reason- for the early detection of diseases. Early diagnosis of diseases like cancer, heart ailments, diabetes and hypertension can mean a world of a difference between early cure and a prolonged health battle.

Everything you need to know about a complete health checkup

So, what is this "full-body checkup" or "complete health checkup" that is the topic of discussion? As per the government's rules, all diagnostic tests must be carried out only in an accredited lab or hospital equipped to handle these processes. A complete health checkup comprises the following diagnostic tests:

General examination including the body weight, height, blood pressure and pulse rate.
Blood and urine tests- a complete hemogram to assess the vital parameters of the blood and detect the presence of underlying issues.
Complete lipid profile analysis to assess cardiovascular risks.
Liver function test to assess the functioning of the liver and diagnose liver diseases.
Assessment of postprandial blood glucose levels to confirm the presence or absence of diabetes.
Pancreatic profile to assess the functioning of the pancreas.
Vitamin profile to identify vitamin deficiencies.
Urine examination to diagnose systemic or metabolic diseases.
Mammogram to rule out issues related to the health of the breast.
Pap smear tests to diagnose the condition of the reproductive system in women.

Who is eligible for a complete health checkup?

Although 40 is considered the standard age to include complete health checkups as part of life, doctors recommend men start with it as early as 35. Suppose a family history of diabetes, coronary heart diseases, thyroid disorders, breast cancer, hypertension, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. In that case, it is wise to initiate screening tests as early as possible. After the age of 45, annual or bi-annual health checkup should become a mandatory routine.

Immeasurable benefits of a regular full-body checkup

Investing in a full-body checkup is one of the wisest decisions ever, and there are hardly any disadvantages to consider. Some of the most prominent benefits of a health checkup are:

Early detection of diseases

Subjecting the body to regular health tests means that the vital parameters are being assessed in quick succession. It greatly reduces the risk of chronic diseases and provides enough time to detect and treat any health issues in the early stages.

Highlights the importance of health awareness.

Regular tests highlight the body's physical status and give better insight into the healthy habits one must continue with for a lifetime. The same can be said about quitting bad habits such as smoking, alcohol intake and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Tests reports will reflect the food habits of a person. Excessive intake of sugary food and a high-calorie diet will be reflected in the blood tests. Knowing these parameters is vital to making lifelong decisions about discontinuing bad habits or starting afresh with good habits before it is too late.

Costs are reasonable.

A complete health package costs far less than what every single test can cost individually. Comprehensive test packages save you a lot of money and guide the person about the range of tests he/ she will need.

Helps to create health goals.

Tracking your health status helps to set realistic health goals for the entire family. The awareness of one's physical condition can be a reason to inspire, warn or boost other family members and friends to adopt a healthier lifestyle with regular exercises and sensible food habits.

Motivates you to do better.

Nothing can match the happiness and peace of mind you achieve when the test results reveal satisfactory results. It motivates you to stick to your healthy habits and teach the same in others.

Affordable, comprehensive health packages at Agam Diagnostics: The leading diagnostic centre in Madurai, India

Agam Diagnostics is a renowned diagnostic centre in Madurai, offering reasonably-priced comprehensive health packages for all. We offer flexible health packages and specialised packages to suit your specific needs. Track your health status with Agam Diagnostics and always be on the safer side of health. Stay healthy and safe with Agam Diagnostics!