Coronavirus update: ICMR revises testing strategy, encourages free screening in private labs

All hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory illness, shortness of breath and having fever and cough will now be tested for infection- according to ICMR's revised strategy.

By: Longjam Dineshwori | | Published: March 22, 2020 10:44 am

The National Task Force recommends that the maximum cost of sample testing samples should not exceed Rs 4500. © Shutterstock

India has gone into a nationwide 14-hour lockdown today to break the spread of the novel coronavirus. While the number of confirmed cases continue to increase on a daily basis, there is still no evidence of community transmission in the country. Also Read - Asthma’s link to COVID-19 decoded: Know if it is good, bad or just indifferent

However, the central and several state governments are taking stringent measures to avoid community transmission (stage 3) of coronavirus infection. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has also revised its strategy for testing people for the COVID-19 virus. This is to provide reliable diagnosis to all individuals meeting the inclusion criteria of COVID-19 testing. Also Read - Which homemade face mask works best against the novel coronavirus? Here’s the verdict

Here’s what ICMR’s revised strategy say Also Read - RNA experiments leading in COVID-19 vaccine race, but questions remain about their safety

All hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory illness, shortness of breath and having fever and cough will now have to go for COVID-19 testing.
Asymptomatic direct and high-risk contacts of a confirmed case should be tested once between Day 5 and Day 14 of coming contact with an infected individual.

Guidelines for COVID-19 testing in private labs

The ICMR has also issued guidelines for COVID-19 testing in private laboratories in India As per the guidelines

The test should be conducted by a laboratory which as NABL accreditation for real-time PCR assay for RNA virus.
Laboratory test should be offered when prescribed by a qualified physician.
All private laboratories should preferably do home collection of samples to avoid contact of people with suspect case.
All laboratory staff involved in COVID-19 testing should be appropriately trained in good laboratory practices and performing real-time PCR.

The ICMR says failure to comply with the guidelines will result in legal action.

Cost of COVID-19 testing in private labs

The National Task Force recommends that the maximum cost of sample testing samples should not exceed Rs 4500. This include Rs 1,500 for screening suspect cases and an additional Rs3,000 for confirmation test. However, ICMR encourages free or subsidized testing in this hour national public health of emergency.

As per the Union Health Ministry website, the total number of people testing positive for the virus stood at 315, including foreign nationals. India saw 65 new cases on Saturday. However, media reports put the number of cases at 332.

Click here for our latest updates on coronavirus

Published : March 22, 2020 10:44 am

Read Disclaimer