Covid-19: Only PCR Can Validate Index Case, CRS Govt Tells UTCH
Cross River state government has told Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, Chief Medical Director Of The University Of Calabar Teaching Hospital that only PCR testing can validate the true status of Coronavirus in a carrier and not Antibody Rapid Diagnostic kits as contained in his internal memo to staff of the institution Thursday in Calabar.
Refuting the spurious claim in a press release, the state Ministry of Health noted that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recommended PCR testing as against the antibody diagnostic that lacks specificity and authenticity which should not be used for Covid-19 diagnosis.
The statement reads
“The attention of the Cross River State Government has been drawn to an internal memo signed by the Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Professor Ikpeme stating that it had one positive test result.
“It is important to state that an index COVID-19 case can only be confirmed with PCR and not the antibody Rapid Diagnostic test kits which the NCDC had said has very low sensitivity and specificity therefore should not be used for COVID 19 diagnosis.
“As a state Government we have commenced investigation into this case and we will get back to the public with our findings. All efforts to identify and isolate suspected cases will be encouraged but we denounce any attempt to label CRS COVID-19 Positive using a rapid antibody testing methodology. For now Cross River State has no comfirmed case of COVID-19!
“We use this opportunity to further call on the Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC to as a matter of urgency, support Cross River state in the fight against COVID-19.
“We urge all Cross Riverians to remain calm and not panic, but simply step up efforts in adhering to all safety procedures in the state”.
Recall that the internal memo circulating in the media (not peoplereporters), alleging of an index case isolated and treated at the state isolation centre has caused panic on the residents of a possible outbreak of the virus in the state.