COVID-19 Testing
There is no dearth of information regarding what the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is and what the precautions are against contracting it. There are also daily updates on the extent of the spread on a global scale. Here we provide in-depth information on testing, including who gets tested, what kind of tests are conducted, and a state-wise database of government and private labs that are conducting COVID-19 tests.
Coronavirus is spread through droplets generated by coughing or sneezing by an infected person. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has provided specific guidelines for testing COVID-19.
Disclaimer: Please note that this page is for informational purposes only. There is no Medical Advice contained below. Kindly consult with your Doctor for individual specific advice.
List of Government COVID-19 Testing Centres in India:
Names of States | Names of Medical Colleges | |||
Andhra Pradesh (4) |
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Assam (4) |
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Bihar (2) |
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Chandigarh (2) |
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Chhattisgarh (2) |
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Delhi (6) |
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Gujarat (5) |
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Haryana (2) |
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Himachal Pradesh (2) |
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Jammu & Kashmir (4) |
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Jharkhand (2) |
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Karnataka (7) |
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Kerala (9) |
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Maharashtra (8) |
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Madhya Pradesh (4) |
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Manipur (2) |
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Meghalaya (1) | North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences, Shillong, Meghalaya | |||
Odisha (2) | Dept of Lab Services, Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar | |||
Puducherry (1) | Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry | |||
Punjab (2) |
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Rajasthan (8) |
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Tamil Nadu (10) |
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Telangana (5) |
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Tripura (1) | Government Medical College, Agartala | |||
Uttar Pradesh (8) |
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Uttarakhand (2) |
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West Bengal (4) |
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Andaman & Nicobar Islands (1) | Regional Medical Research Centre, Port Blair | |||
Note: IMCR has approved a total of 121 Government Laboratories for COVID-19 testing. Out of this number, 12 laboratories are in the process of operationalisation.
List of Private Covid-19 Testing Centres in India:
Names of States | Names of Laboratory and Address |
Delhi |
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Gujarat |
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Haryana |
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Karnataka |
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Maharashtra |
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Orissa | Dept of Lab Services, Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar |
Tamil Nadu |
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Telangana |
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U.P. | RML Mehrotra Pathology Pvt Ltd, Nirala Nagar, Lucknow |
West Bengal |
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Kerala |
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Who Can Take the COVID Test?
Based on the objective to contain the COVID-19 infection, the ICMR guidelines for COVID-19 testing has been revised thrice till date. The revised strategy on who will get tested as of 20 March 2020 are as follows:
- Testing guidelines for Asymptomatic individuals who have travelled internationally in the last 14 days:
- Must be quarantined at home for 14 days.
- Family members living with the said individual to be home quarantined.
- Will be tested ONLY if they become symptomatic (they have fever, cough, difficulty in breathing)
- Symptomatic contacts of individuals confirmed having COVID-19, through laboratory testing.
- Symptomatic healthcare workers.
- Hospitalised patients who have Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (cough AND fever with/without shortness of breath).
- Asymptomatic direct and high-risk contacts* of a COVID-19 positive patient to be tested between day 5 and 14, after coming in contact with the patient. Testing will be done once.
Direct and high risk contacts refer to those living in the same household as a patient who has tested positive for the virus and healthcare workers who treated the patient without suitable protection recommended by WHO (World Health Organization). All those who test positive, will be isolated and treated under the standard protocol.
How is the Covid-19 Testing Done?
Following are the Testing Procedures for Covid:
- Samples of nasal swabs and throat swabs are collected for testing. Collected samples will be sent to testing laboratories designated by Government health authorities and IDSP (Integrated Disease Surveillance Program).
- 121 government laboratories and 47 private laboratories have been approved by ICMR for testing COVID-19 samples (as of 16 March 2020).
- Lab tests at private laboratories will only be offered to those who have a prescription from a physician according to the ICMR guidelines for COVID-19 testing.
- Commercial kits are now being used for the diagnosis for COVID-19 after meeting the guidelines.
What is the Cost of Testing?
Currently, testing is being done free of charge for all individuals who require to be tested as per the guidelines.
For others, the cost for the first step screening analysis is Rs.1,500 and the additional analysis for confirmation is Rs.3,000.
What is Serological Testing?
In order to better understand the epidemiology of COVID-19 in India, ICMR will soon start serological testing.
A serological test typically looks for antibodies present in your blood. It is different from a diagnostic test in that it does not determine active infection through swabs. It will help determine if a person was previously exposed to COVID-19 (asymptomatic persons) by the presence of antibodies.
According to Randeep Guleria, Chairman of the high-level expert committee formed to review the testing strategy for Covid-19 by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), serological tests will help generate data and understand whether people have been exposed to the virus.
At present, random samples are being tested to determine community transmission. Serological tests are believed to further aid researchers to identify and trace people, as well as understand the behaviour of the virus. ICMR is presently contemplating using this test on people who come in contact with COVID-19 patients. An antibody kit will be used to perform this test. ICMR invited bids for the same on 25 March 2020. ICMR estimates the need for 1 million such testing kits for the country.
State-wise Covid 19 Helpline Numbers in India:
Central Helpline Number for corona-virus: - +91-11-23978046
Name of the State | Helpline Nos. |
Andhra Pradesh | |
Arunachal Pradesh | |
Assam | |
Bihar | |
Chhattisgarh | |
Goa | |
Gujarat | |
Haryana | |
Himachal Pradesh | |
Jharkhand | |
Karnataka | |
Kerala | |
Madhya Pradesh | |
Maharashtra | |
Manipur | |
Meghalaya | |
Mizoram | |
Nagaland | |
Odisha | |
Punjab | |
Rajasthan | |
Sikkim | |
Tamil Nadu | |
Telangana | |
Tripura | |
Uttarakhand | |
Uttar Pradesh | |
West Bengal |
Union Territory Covid 19 Helpline Numbers in India:
Name of Union Territory (UT) | Helpline Nos. |
Andaman and Nicobar Islands | |
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | |
Chandigarh | |
Delhi | |
Jammu & Kashmir | |
Ladakh | |
Lakshadweep | |
Puducherry |
Notes:
- ICMR does not provide testing kits to these laboratories.
- The labs can start testing as per the directives of the respective State Governments.
So, please contact the laboratories to know if they conduct testing.
As of 27 March 2020, 9:00 a.m. 27,688 samples had been collected from 26,798 persons for testing for SARS-CoV2.
Please note that this page is for informational purposes only. Please visit the official website of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for accurate and up-to-date information about Covid-19 and testing labs in India.
FAQs on COVID-19 Testing
- Does health insurance in India cover COVID-19 testing?
Yes, most Indian health insurance plans, especially those with COVID-specific coverage like Corona Kavach and Corona Rakshak, cover the cost of COVID-19 testing if prescribed by a doctor.
- Is COVID-19 testing included under standard health insurance plans?
COVID-19 testing is generally covered if it's part of hospitalization or if a doctor recommends it as part of treatment. IRDAI mandated insurers to include such coverage during the pandemic.
- What are Corona Kavach and Corona Rakshak policies?
These are COVID-specific short-term insurance plans introduced by IRDAI that cover testing, hospitalization, and treatment costs related to COVID-19.
- Is a doctor’s prescription required for COVID-19 test insurance claims?
mmm Yes, in most cases, insurers require a prescription from a certified medical practitioner to approve reimbursement for COVID-19 tests.
- Are home sample collection COVID-19 tests covered by insurance?
Some insurers may cover it if the test is prescribed and conducted by a network diagnostic center. Coverage varies by insurer.
- Does insurance cover COVID-19 testing for travel purposes?
Generally, insurance does not cover COVID-19 tests done for travel, employment, or routine screening purposes.
- Are there any government schemes for free COVID-19 testing in India?
Yes, during the pandemic, central and state governments offered free testing at designated public hospitals and health centers.
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