Hyderabad To Get Drive-Through RT-PCR Facility

Tenet Diagnostics, a leading Hyderabad-based integrated diagnostic service provider, which was one of the first labs in India to be ICMR-accredited to conduct Covid-19 tests, is all set to launch a drive-through Covid-19 testing facility, that will carry out RT-PCRs and blood tests checking for inflammatory markers at the city's Hitex area in Madhapur.

The service has been opened on a trial basis for the past couple of days and it will be formally launched on Monday.

The current capacity of the facility allows it to handle about 250 people. It is however expected that the existing lab will be expanded, and that several similar branches will also be opened soon.

In a press note, the Tenet management said, "As Covid-19 cases are on the rise, it is common to see people assemble in large numbers at testing centres and hospitals. So, there is an obvious need to provide more testing facilities to the public. If the testing centres offer safe conditions for those seeking to get tested, more patients will be willing to visit the centre. Keeping this context in mind along with considerations of patient safety and convenience, Tenet Diagnostics has set up a well-planned drive-through facility for RT-PCR testing and Covid-19 inflammatory markers blood tests."

"All one needs to do is to drive into the facility at Hitex and remain seated in the comfort of your car. The complete registration process is based on a contactless system, keeping the safety of the customer in mind. During registration, the person giving the sample needs to submit the documents specified by the Government of India (such as the PAN or Aadhar card). Payments will be made via UPI/Card/Google Pay at the drive-through. After this, the individual can proceed for the test. A phlebotomist (a specialist who draws blood) will take the sample from the person. Once the sample is collected, the person will receive a WhatsApp message with details and a digital invoice. Tenet Diagnostics will then deliver the report within the time frame of 24-48 hours. This entire process will of course be contactless," the note also said.

The drive-through testing method is popular in many countries across the globe as it cuts down on time, and allows people to get tested without exposing themselves to large crowds. It also keeps asymptomatic patients from contaminating others.

One hopes that this minimal exposure testing facility helps the residents of the city get tested safely and quickly.