Coronavirus: Private Labs Can Now Start Testing, Collecting Samples For Covid-19, Says Govt

The government has decided that private laboratories with NABL accreditation will be allowed to conduct testing for suspected novel coronavirus cases. Only those private laboratories with Covid-19 testing kits approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) or certified by European CE will be allowed to collect the samples for testing. This move is expected to significantly help in increasing the scope and numbers of persons who are being tested in righ now. 

The National Task Force has recommended that the maximum cost for testing sample should not exceed Rs 4,500. This may include Rs 1,500 as a screening test for suspect cases and an additional Rs 3,000 for conï¬Ârmation test. ICMR is encouraging free or subsidized testing.