PANJIM: Amidst the rising number of Covid-19 cases in Goa, a Marcela based pathology lab is now offering to collect testing samples of patients from their homes in an effort to make testing more accessible to residents. The diagnostic lab is offering RT-PCR tests.
Thyrocare’s Marcela centre has commenced COVID-19 testing at its diagnostic lab and is offering the sample -collection facility to residents in and around Panaji, Ponda, Margao, Marcela and surrounding areas.
“Individuals who feel the need to get tested can either come to the laboratory based in Marcela or if unable to do so can request for the sample to be collected from their residence or office,” explained Dr Supriya Kamat who runs the lab. “A trained staff of the lab will then visit the patient’s home or office and collect the throat swab. Our staff are trained thoroughly for all procedures and precautions. Patients are requested to wear a mask at all times. If any patient is showing symptoms then they must inform us beforehand so that we can keep them isolated from other patients,” she explained.
Priced at INR 2400 for the test inclusive of the swab collection service, the results are shared with the individuals the very next day.
The highly reliable RT-PCR (Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) test recommended by the WHO is conducted by taking a throat swab. Individuals who display clinical signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection such as fever, dry cough, sore throat, breathlessness, loss of smell or taste and tiredness are recommended to get tested.
The Marcela based lab is a part of Thyrocare established network of diagnostic laboratories. The company boasts of being India’s first and most advanced totally automated network of labs with a strong presence in more than 2000 cities and towns in India and internationally. The facilities available in Marcela include testing for COVID-19 antibodies, diabetes, thyroid, cholesterol, lipid profile, vitamins and more.