Coronavirus test should not cost more than Rs 4,500: Government to private labs

With 60 fresh cases since Friday, India's count rose to 315 on Saturday. In an apparent move to increase testing centres and broaden the existing structure, the government today allowed NABL-accredited private laboratories to start testing COVID-19 samples. It however, issued guidelines capping the cost of sample testing by private labs at Rs 4,500.

These are the main guidelines issued to private testing centres-
* The National task Force has recommended the maximum cost for COVID-19 samples testing at private labs at Rs 4,500. "This may include Rs 1500 for a screening test for suspect cases and an additional Rs 3,000 as confirmation test charges," the notification said.

* Appropriate biosafety and biosecurity precautions need to be taken during the testing and while collecting the respiratory samples.

* As a preference, home collection of samples may be done by private testing laboratories. This will avoid transmission of the virus.

* The guidelines recommended only real-time PCR-based assays for COVID-19 testing. They added conventional PCR, in-house real-time PCR and antibody/antigen tests are not recommended.

* The authorised private laboratories will be sending all COVID-19 positive samples to NIV, Pune under suitable biosafety and biosecurity precautions laid down by ICMR.

*The guidelines are subjected to amendments with latest developments. Non-conformity to the above-mentioned guidelines shall lead to legal action.