Considering the ever-increasing number of COVID-19 cases and the necessity of more testing, the Gujarat government on Thursday decided to allow private laboratories to carry out rapid antigen tests.
A government spokesperson said that the decision has been taken to ensure that more tests are done and it enables control of COVID-19.
Till 5pm on Wednesday, 1,46,673 COVID-19 cases have been recorded in Gujarat and the death toll stands at 3,531. A total of 1,26,557 patients are believed to have recovered.
Until now, selected private laboratories were allowed to do RT-PCR tests. In case of rapid antigen test also, only private laboratories that have necessary infrastructure and manpower, including experts, will be allowed to carry out the tests.
The permission will have to be taken from municipal corporation level or at the district headquarters level. The laboratories will also have to give the reports at the end of the day to the authorities.
The state government has also fixed rates for the tests. For the ELSIA for antibody test, the patient will have to pay Rs 450 and if the same test is done at home, he will have to give Rs 550. This includes the home visit charge.
For CLIA for antibody test, the patient will have to give Rs 500 and for the home visit Rs 600.
Facilities of free rapid antigen tests have been set up in big cities like Ahmedabad at important locations like public parks, key roads and railway station.
