Can RT-PCR test detect COVID-19 new variant Omicron? Here's what WHO says

In the case of the Omicron, the RT-PCR test finds one identifier (which specifies that the person has coronavirus infection) but does not find the identifier in the spike protein. Thus, the variant can be detected through RT-PCR tests.

However, there is just one issue with the process. The Alpha variant also has a similar give. Therefore, there can be confusion on whether the variant detected in the RT-PCR test is Omicron or Alpha.

Nonetheless, RT-PCR tests can still be used to detect the Omicron variant as the prevalence of the Alpha variant in the Indian population has gone down significantly.

According to medical experts, easier detectability of this variant will help health officials control its spread.

Meanwhile, the WHO has warned that the Omicron variant has an increased risk of reinfection and may spread more rapidly than other strains, including Delta. According to South African researchers, the new variant has more than 30 mutations making it more transmissible.