ICMR issues fresh advisory on Covid testing: Key points

Read More | Source: Times of India | Title: ICMR issues fresh advisory on Covid testing: Key points

NEW DELHI: The Indian Council of Medical Research on Tuesday issued fresh guidelines for testing amid an unprecedented rise in Covid-19 cases in the country.
“At present, the laboratories are facing challenges to meet the expected testing target due to extraordinary case load and staff getting infected with Covid-19. In view of this situation, it is imperative to optimize the RTPCR testing and simultaneously increase the access and availability of testing to all citizens of the country,” it said in a statement.

Here are the new guidelines issued by ICMR:
-RTPCR test must not be repeated in any individual who has tested positive once
either by RAT or RTPCR.
-No testing is required for Covid-19 recovered individuals at the time of hospital discharge in accordance with the discharge policy of health ministry.
-The need for RTPCR test in healthy individuals undertaking inter-state domestic travel may be completely removed to reduce the load on laboratories.
-Non-essential travel and interstate travel of symptomatic individuals (Covid-19 or flu like symptoms) should be essentially avoided to reduce the risk of infection.
-Mobile testing laboratories are now available on GeM portal. States are encouraged to augment RTPCR testing through mobile systems.
-Testing booths may be set up at multiple locations including healthcare facilities, RWA offices, schools, colleges, community centers and other available vacant spaces. These booths should be operational on a 24×7 basis to improve access and availability of testing. Drive-through RAT testing facilities may be created at convenient locations as identified by local administration.
-All states are advised to ensure full utilisation of the available RTPCR testing capacity, both in public and private laboratories.
View More | Source: Times of India