The Ministry of Health has commented on allegations that PCR tests used in Azerbaijan to detect cases of coronavirus infection do not detect a new omicron strain.
Tayyar Eyvazov, an infectious disease specialist of the ministry, told Report that the new strain, like other variants of coronavirus, is determined by PCR tests.
"The existing tests are capable of revealing a positive result for any strain. However, the type of strain can be accurately determined as a result of laboratory tests," he stressed.
Nazrin Mustafayeva, an infectious disease specialist of the working group on infectious diseases of the Association for the Management of Medical Territorial Units (TABIB), told Report that the population has an erroneous opinion that the tests could not identify a new strain.
“This is an erroneous opinion. PCR tests give a positive result for any varieties of coronavirus (Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron). However, the test cannot identify the type of strain. Additional laboratory tests are required to determine a strain. Patients with a negative PCR test for COVID-19 probably contracted certain respiratory viruses. Among these viruses, influenza, which is more likely to cause complications and prone to bacterial coinfection, lasts longer than others," she added.