For those who have been infected with Covid-19, you probably found that out through a RT-PCR or a RTK-Antigen test.
Once it is confirmed that you are indeed infected with the virus, the next step would be to quarantine yourself. Some people then opt to get tested every few days just to check on your condition.
After a couple of days of being infected, you’ll soon be very highly unlikely to be contagious and the risk of you spreading the virus to others decreases.
However, if you were to do a RT-PCR test, it would still state that you are positive.
Speaking on the reasons behind this is medical lab scientist and TikTok content creator, Pak Cik Bakar Baharom who shared a video on the reasons why.
The caption of the video reads, “There is no need to do a PCR test repeatedly if you’ve already been tested positive recently.”
In the video, Bakar goes down to the basics of what a PCR test is and why there is no need for you to test again if you already know that you’re infected with the virus.
The point of PCR tests
Bakar explains that the point of PCR tests is to test to see if they can find any of the viruses’ genetic material also known as RNA, inside of your body.
“We only do the tests to check if we can detect the RNA of the said virus.”
He went on to give an analogy to explain the reasons why.
“If someone were to do a DNA test in the room where I’m sitting in, they will find my DNA. When I eventually leave the room, there will still be traces of me in the room so if they were to do a DNA test, the result will be the same.”
“But this doesn’t mean that I’m still there in the room. That’s why we shouldn’t do another PCR test if we’re already positive, because the result will remain the same,” he explained.
According to reports, for some people, the tests will continue to say that you are positive for up to 3 months.
Watch the video below:
@dodosentoso Jangan noya buat PCR byk byk kali lepas dah positive recently. Ingat ni sampaii mati. Tolong mdno share info ni boleh.?? #covid19 #rtpcr #medicallabscientist #fyp
♬ original sound – Pak Cik Bakar Baharo – Pak Cik Bakar Baharo
So fret not! If you are infected with virus, once the virus is no longer active, all you would need to do is to continue practicing the SOPs and you can go about with your daily life!
Also read: “Stay positive” – M’sians Are Trolling Muhyiddin After He Tested Positive For Covid-19
