Understanding the Pre-Travel COVID-19 Tests and Its Results |

Testing for COVID-19 is a Pre-Condition to Travel: What information should flyers from Hyderabad know?

Slowly business trips and leisure travel is returning to normal. However, testing for COVID-19 is mandatory. Hyderabad airport is once again busy handling domestic and international passengers. Flyers are expected to have the right information regarding the coronavirus tests to ensure that they are not stopped from travelling. If you have plans to travel, choose the right COVID-19 Test Diagnostic Centre in Hyderabad.

Avigna Diagnostics Testing Services Centre & Labs understands the requirements for pre-travel COVID-19 tests and its results for the authorities and passengers. It maintains ICMR guidelines for the reports.

Which tests are available in Hyderabad?

To understand COVID-19 test results, it is first important to know the kind of testing services available in the city. The apex body of Indian Council of Medical Research has approved the following:

RT-PCR Diagnosis

Currently it is considered the most accurate testing and relies on Reverse transcription-polymerase chai reaction. When the traveller comes to the lab, the nasal and throat swabs are collected. An enzyme converts the genetic material RNA (of the virus) to DNA. When a fluorescent signal is detected by the RT- PCR machine, the swab may show the presence of the virus. This will also hold true for asymptomatic patients.

Anti-Body Rapid Test

An antibody test indicates that either the person was infected earlier or is currently active with the virus strain. This test is not very useful and is used for general health surveillance. Diagnostic tests – Molecular and Antigen tests determine if you are suffering from coronavirus. Rapid Antigen Test that detects the virus’s genetic material, considered most accurate and the Swab Test are acceptable as COVID-19 Tests for International Travel. While the former test takes only 15 to 30 minutes, the latter test takes about 24 hours to give a test report. Both these tests simple and painless but little discomfort may be felt.

Though various countries have a list of acceptable tests, it is advisable to check latest travel restrictions due to rapid changes in them before scheduling the travel to avoid last minute glitches.

Choosing the Diagnostic Centre in Hyderabad

The right COVID-19 Test diagnostic centre in Hyderabad will follow all the protocols laid down by the ICMR. There are various government and private diagnostic centres in the city which help people to get tested before travelling within India or anywhere in the world. The procedure for the same is:

You are first advised to call on the toll-free number or central helpline number for the latest information and guidelines before travelling. No referral is required to approach any of the centres.
The useful numbers in Hyderabad are: Toll free: 1075, Central Helpline: +91+11-23978046. IN Hyderabad call 104.
Telangana Helpline number is: GHMC-helpline 040-2111-1111.
Avigna Laboratories LLP: +91-9704228877.

People can also opt for a home collection of reports before the travel. Trained officials arrive in PPE kits and collect the samples. This facility is given as in many containment zones and slum areas it is not advisable to travel to a hospital or lab to get tested. The average costs for lab testing is around INR. 850 and for home collection it is INR 1,200. Please check the prices before approaching the lab.

Pro-tip: The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad has also launched on-site COVID-19 testing lab for RT-PCR with ICMR. This gives a safety element to the passengers who pass the airport. All international passengers have to carry their negative report 96 hours before travel. Please also note that this is important to avoid the institutional quarantine.

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