SRL Diagnostics expands its COVID testing capacity, launches two RT-PCR testing facilities in East

News Correspondent, abptakmaa, Kolkata, 21st Aug 2020 : In an effort to expand the COVID-19 testing capacity, SRL Diagnostics – one of India’s leading diagnostic chains – has commenced Covid-19 test by RT-PCR technique in Kolkata (West Bengal) and Deoghar (Jharkhand). In Kolkata, COVID testing laboratory is located in Salt Lake while in Deoghar, SRL has launched its exclusive RT PCR COVID testing lab on Jaisidh-Arogya Bhawan Road. SRL has also set up two exclusive COVID collection centers at Bhowanipore and Kankurgachi and is offering Home Collection for Covid-19 samples in Kolkata city. SRL has been accredited by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for COVID-19 RT-PCR testing in both Kolkata & Deoghar.

Sharing details about the expansion, Mr. Anand K, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), SRL Diagnostics said, “Diagnostic testing is the first step to any disease management, and in case of COVID -19 with no specific treatment options available to combat the disease, extensive testing is of paramount importance. Being one of the largest diagnostics chain in the country, we are committed to the fight against the virus and hence will continue to take necessary actions in ensuring accessibility. In Kolkata, we have been conducting COVID testing through GenXpert CBNAAT, however, now with our RTPCR facility in Salt Lake Lab, we will be able to serve more residents of Kolkata in these unprecedented times.”

As per the ICMR protocol, the documents required for the test are a duly filled ICMR form, a doctor’s prescription seeking COVID-19 test and the patient’s Aadhaar card. Test results would be available within 24 hours and the prices would be as per Government notified rates in the state. Home collection facility is also available in Kolkata and the bookings can be made using SRL Diagnostics’ dedicated phone lines 1800222000 and 033-44121212.

“The aim is to expand capacity by either establishing more RT PCR labs in East or by conducting more number of tests using the existing infrastructure. We have already managed to increase the number of tests in a short span of time, and we’re working aggressively with the government to ramp-up testing in Eastern part of the country,” said Mr. Anindya Chowdhury, Regional COO – North & East, SRL Diagnostics.

Further, to speed up the test-track-treat process in the city, SRL is also conducting Rapid Antigen Detection test and Antibody tests for Covid 19. While Rapid Antigen test is nasopharyngeal swab test for diagnosis of Covid-19, the Antibody test of Covid-19 is a blood test primarily used for sero-surveillance.  Publicity : Adfactors.