KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population has changed the criteria for PCR test to detect coronavirus. The ministry has set new standards through ministerial decisions.
According to the new criteria, PCR tests will now be performed on patients with fever, cough, difficulty in breathing as well as those suffering with anosmia and ageusia, and diarrhea.
They will be tested for PCR test before discharge.
Criteria for testing
1. All patients with symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, loss of taste and smell, diarrhea)
2. People in contact with people who have been infected with the virus.
3. Patients with severe respiratory problems (SARI)
4. All people who come from abroad (all those arriving by land and air within five to seven days of quarantine)
5. Frontline health workers and other frontline staffs.
6. Those who have visited the area where COVID-19- 19 has been infected in the last 14 days.
7. All patients in the ICU.
8. Chronic patients, those with weakened immune systems (especially those over 60)
9. Patients who need surgery based on medical evaluation (no need to wait for test results for emergency treatment and surgery)
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