Coronavirus infection: Why your COVID test cannot tell the variant you have got

A number of variants of the infectious coronavirus, which was first detected in November 2019, have been discovered by scientists until now. Just when the situation seems to go back to normal, a new mutant variant of the virus emerges, posing a fresh risk of another wave. Each one has a distinct genomic structure and leads to a varied set of symptoms. Though many symptoms of the mutant variant are similar, it is difficult to say which one you are infected with.

Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT–PCR) is the gold-standard test to determine the presence of infectious viruses in the body. It gives an accurate result and reveals viral load, required to understand the severity of the condition. Even this test does not specify the kind of virus you are infected with. That's because it is not designed to determine which particular variant that has infected the person. It can be determined only by a genome sequencing study.

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Genome sequencing is the process of determining the entire DNA sequence of an organism. It is carried out to monitor the change in the sequence of the virus. In terms of COVID-19, it helps the scientists to learn the changes in the structure of the original virus from the mutant ones. It is also used to learn the epidemiology of the virus and how it might impact the general population.

Firstly genomic sequencing is more expensive than the RT-PCR tests and it takes much more time to get the result. That's the reason why it is not generally carried out. Secondly, genomic sequencing is carried out for surveillance purposes. Random sequencing is carried out to determine the type of virus circulating in the population. Genome sequencing helps to understand the mutant variant's sensitivity to vaccination, transmissibility, and disease severity which is more useful for research setups than for diagnostic purpose.

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Viral load and whether the person is COVID positive or not are essential for medical practice. These two things are of prime importance to start the treatment at the right time and take steps so that the infection does not spread. Knowledge of sequence or genome sequencing determines the response of the virus, transmissibility and other factors which more essential for research purposes.

At present the RT-PCR test is the best one to determine if you are infected with the virus or not. You can also take a Rapid antigen test or use a testing kit to get faster results if you are witnessing any signs of coronavirus infection. To stay safe, wear your mask all the time, maintain proper hygiene, avoid social gatherings and get a booster dose.