Now, Mumbai airport gets new RT-PCR counter

A health worker takes a swab sample from a mobile laboratory for conducting RT-PCR COVID-19 tests at BKC. Pic/Atul Kamble

Given the number of states and countries being added to the mandatory testing list, Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has taken a step further towards passenger safety by not only allowing Mylab Discovery Solutions a space to set up the RT-PCR testing counter, but also to facilitate the processing of the sample for a quick turnaround.

The counter is set up at Level 1 of the Terminal (East Side) for the international passengers, while for the domestic passengers, the counter is set up at the arrival corridor. The additional facility has been introduced for convenience and offering a speedy report to the arriving passengers. The test facilities are available at both departures and arrivals at the airport.

The Mylab Discovery Solutions' facility was inaugurated on February 22, for both, international and domestic passengers arriving at the airport; it (the lab) provides passengers with their test results within eight hours at a cost of Rs 850 and is in compliance with the standard of ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) and NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) certified agency for testing COVID-19 samples. "The diagnostic lab also offers passengers a turnaround time as it provides a unique solution of undertaking the test, processing the sample, and generating the report within the stipulated time frame," said CSMIA, adding that it "continues to follow all protocols laid down by the government and maintains the highest standard of hygiene along with all necessary standard operating procedures to curb the spread of the virus."

The airport currently hosts three testing facilities at the terminal, which are handled by Suburban Diagnostics, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd. and Lifenity Wellness International limited. The airport also has 30 counters with testing facilities wherein 12 counters are set up for international travellers and 18 counters for domestic passengers. Additionally, these counters are equipped with molecular testing facilities that offers passengers the option to process their test results in 13 minutes post sample collection. The express test is available at R4,500 and aims to provide the arriving passengers with a quick and accurate diagnosis.