Covid-19 RT-PCR test is likely to be replaced by the Multiplex Assay—a single test which will diagnose SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and Influenza B at same time, as per the new Center for Disease Control (CDC) USA directives. Health experts here say this will help us in diagnosing superadded infection of influenza along with Covid and also will save material used to perform three different tests. Experts have urged authorities to make this test available in India, especially at a time when our country is witnessing a massive surge in Covid cases.

Dr Subhash Hira, professor of Global Health at University of Washington-Seattle and invited member to WHO-Geneva Covid-19 review panels, said, “US-CDC/US-FDA have just discontinued the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel that was launched in February 2020 and replaced it with the CDC Influenza SARS-CoV-2 (named Flu SC2) Multiplex Assay, which allows laboratories to run three tests in a single reaction well. The Flu SC2 multiplex is more efficient in its use of test reagents, is faster, and simultaneously gives accurate results.”