A diagnostic service provider in Delhi named “Star Imaging & Path Lab” has started conducting coronavirus tests.
As per reports, as many as 12 private diagnostic chains across six states have got approval from the government to test COVID-19 samples.
The patients who want their test done have to mandatorily submit their doctor's prescription and government ID proof. The charge for the Rs 4,500 and the reports will be made available in two days.
The lab which is located in Tilak Nagar, Delhi has been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for coronavirus testing.
"Our main lab in Tilak Nagar, Delhi has been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for COVID-19 testing. Currently, we are ready to start the testing as per the guidelines of government of India," Star Imaging & Path Lab’s Director Mr. Sameer Bhati told the media.
"We feel honoured that ICMR has chosen Star Imaging & Path Lab, based at Tilak Nagar Delhi, to conduct these tests in this very hour of need when a huge population of our country living under threat of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We have adequate testing capacities to conduct the test at large scale. The management is further planning to strengthen the diagnosis and help prevent propagation of this disease in our country. Now a days when asymptomatic cases are on rise, it has become very important to test pre-ops and pre-procedure patients including pregnant ladies and the approval of private labs by ICMR would help the nation to together overcome this COVID-19 crises,” he added.
Only selected lab experts wearing PPE are conducting COVID-19 tests in the lab.
Tests are done in several stages. Firstly, the sample is taken from the patient.--the lab staff will acquire 2 samples from the patient :1) Swab from throat will be taken after asking patient to open mouth 2) Second swab from nose will be taken. Then the reagent is prepared. After that, the test is analysed after keeping the regent in the machine for four hours.
Those who want to conduct the test can do it through two options: 1. Home collection test and 2. Drive-Thru Test 3. Booth testing.
The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection in India is nearing the 57,000-mark, while the death toll has crossed the 1700-mark.