THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister K K Shailaja has informed that the rate for COVID-19 tests in labs of the state has been reduced.

As per the new rate, it will be Rs 1500 for RTPCR (open) test, Rs 2500 for expert NATA test, 1500 for TrueNat tests, Rs 1150 for RT Lab, Rs 300 for rapid antigen test. This rate includes all personal protective equipment, swabbing charges and all other test-related charges. Only at these rates can COVID tests be performed by ICMR/state accredited laboratories and hospitals. The minister said no one should be charged more than this rate.

This is the second time the rate for COVID-19 testing has been reduced. RTPCR (open) was initially charged at Rs 2,750, TrueNat at Rs 3,000, Antigen Test for Rs 625 and xpert Nat Rs 3,000 were charged in the begnning. But then the RTPCR was fixed at Rs 2,100 for the (open) test, Rs 2,100 for the TrueNat test, Rs 625 for the antigen test and Rs 2,500 for the Gene Expert test in October.

With the production of test kits at competitive prices, ICMR approved test kits are available in the market at low prices. Assessing this situation, the rates of test kits were reduced again.