icddr,b to begin Covid-19 testing

International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) will start testing patients suspected of having Covid-19 from June 26.

Initially, the patient will be required to book an appointment through online registration by visiting icddr,b website and making a payment via debit/credit card or online/mobile banking system, according to a icddr,b press release issued on June 24.

The online application will be available from 6:00pm today for registration. 

Each test will cost Tk3,500, which is all inclusive. The test entails swab sample collection from the deep throat and nose of the individual.

Samples will be collected daily from 7am to 12pm while reports will be provided within the next 24 to 48 hours. 

"Our patients' and staff's safety is our priority and accordingly we have renovated our diagnostic centre to cater for Covid-19 patient. While, initially we are offering the test through online registration only, but eventually we will make it more accessible to all walks of life," said Dr Dinesh Mondal, acting director of Laboratory Sciences and Services Division at icddr,b. 

Only the patient and one accompanying attendant will be allowed inside the testing facility. All are required to wear face mask and follow the government's health and hygiene guidelines. 

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has given approval to icddr,b's diagnostic centre to undertake RT-PCR based Covid-19 test. However, it is to be noted that this commercial offering is different from icddr,b's ongoing Covid-19 testing support to the DGHS, where it has been testing government-provided samples since March.