ICMR allows 16 private labs in India to conduct COVID-19 test, click to check the list

March 23: In an apparent move to increase testing centres and broaden the existing structure, the government allowed NABL-accredited private laboratories to start testing COVID-19 samples. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had initially allowed 12 private labs in India to conduct COVID-19 tests. However, on Wednesday late evening, 4 more private labs were given the permission to do the tests, taking the total tally of private test labs for coronavirus to 16.

The National task Force has recommended the maximum cost for COVID-19 samples testing at private labs at Rs 4,500. “This may include Rs 1500 for a screening test for suspect cases and an additional Rs 3,000 as confirmation test charges,” the notification said. Out of the 16 private labs, Maharashtra has got 5, Delhi 3, Gujarat, Haryana & Tamil Nadu 3 each followed by Telengana & Karnataka 1 each. Here is the full list: