I know almost everyone has too many questions in mind related to COVID 2019 testing, I am bombarded with queries on WhatsApp. Though it’s not possible to answer every one personally so I have tried to cover all the basic information possible in this blog.
There is no single precise test for COVID-2019. Multiple methods are being used at community & hospital level for detection.
METHODS USED FOR TESTING
- NASAL ASPIRATE: The lab will inject a saline solution into your nose, then remove the sample with gentle suction.
- TRACHEAL ASPIRATE: A thin, lighted tube called a bronchoscope goes into your lungs, where a sample will be collected.
- SPUTUM TEST: Sputum is a variation of mucus from your lungs that can be coughed out or sampled from the nose with a swab
- BLOOD TEST (IgG / IgM): The collected sample will be analysed for the virus, either through a blanket test for all variants of the coronavirus (including regular flu) or through a specialised gene sequencing test that locates the marker for the novel coronavirus.
- SWAB TEST: The lab will take a special cotton swab and sample the inside of the throat or nose
REPORTING TIME: 2 hrs for Rapid Test , 24 – 48 hrs for PCR test
WHERE TO GET THE TEST DONE?
As per Indian Council of Medical Reaserach (ICMR), here is the list of laboratories performing Covid-2019 tests: ICMR LIST: https://bit.ly/ICMRlab_list
COST OF THE TEST
As per Supreme Court Orders, the test is FREE as of now. No lab can charge for it in this interim & only government authorized establishments are performing it.
Earlier ICMR authorized a few private labs, 67 Labs to be precise with a capping of Max 4500 INR per test but recent orders by Supreme Court changed the scenario.
Meetings are being held to include private sector to increase capacity while also considering the Economical aspect in mind.
Costing matter is hence on hold for now, We will update you if anything changes. STAY TUNED
UPDATE (14 April’20): Test will be free at Government Organisations, but Private Labs are allowed to charge 4500 INR per test. The altered order is expected to increase testing by 67 private labs with more than 15,000 collection centres. The order making tests in private labs free had seen the number of samples tested plateauing though not declining.The government welcomed the order, with officials saying the capacity of private labs will be more effectively utilised.
Though Economically Weaker Section people covered under few Government run schemes will get the test for free at Private Labs too.
ONLINE METHODS TO BOOK TEST
- Lal Path Lab: https://bit.ly/lalpathlab
- SRL Lab: https://bit.ly/SRLworldlab
- Thyrocare: https://bit.ly/thyrocare_covid
HELPLINE FOR AUTHENTIC & LATEST INFORMATION
- Whatsapp: https://wa.me/919013151515
- National Helpline: 1075
- EMAIL ID: ncov2019@gov.in
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