UNS — The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is considered the most accurate test to determine SARS-CoV-2 infection. This testing also contains the Cycle Threshold (CT) Value that measures the number of active viruses in one’s body. However, the CT value in the report is often misunderstood by people in general who think the score is in line with the severity of Covid-19 infection. This assumption is not correct.
The Clinical Pathology Specialist as the Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta Hospital, dr. Tonang Dwi Ardyanto, explained that to determine the level of severity in Covid-19 needs a screening from the treating doctor.
“The doctor will conduct a physical examination, the chronology, and the laboratory results, supported by the CT Value as additional information for the treating doctor,” dr. Tonang Dwi Ardyanto explained.
In the Newsline Metro TV, Wednesday afternoon (21/7/2021), dr. Tonang Dwi Ardyanto, the spokesperson for Covid-19 taskforce UNS Hospital, also explained that CT Value is inversely proportional to the number of viruses in the body. For example, if in the fifth round the virus is detected, the CT value is 5, which means the tested is strongly indicated to be positive Covid-19. If the virus is found in the 38th round, then there is a low indication of the person to be positive Covid-19.
“CT Value shows how many times we need to perform the cycle process. To make sure the number of DNA in the sample passed a certain threshold. That is why we call it cycle threshold,” he explained.
dr. Tonang Dwi Ardyanto also reminded that the response of each person when fighting SARS-CoV-2 is different. So that, someone with low CT might have minor symptoms, while people with high CT Value have significant symptoms.
“It depends on each person’s body. If they have a strong immune system, they might not have symptoms. But the number of viruses in the nasopharynx is not equal with the symptoms felt,” dr. Tonang Dwi Ardyanto explained. Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti