icddr,b diagnostic centre begins COVID-19 testing

Dhaka, June 24, 2020: Starting from June 26, 2020, icddr,b’s globally recognised diagnostic centre at Mohakhali, Dhaka will offer SARS CoV-2 test to patients suspected of having COVID-19. Initially, the patient will be required to book an appointment through online registration by visiting http://covid19test.icddrb.org and making a payment via debit/credit card or online/mobile banking system. The web application will be live from 6.00 pm today on June 24, 2020 and ready for registration. The test will cost BDT 3,500 (three thousand five hundred taka) per test, 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 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. while reports will be provided within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dinesh Mondal, Acting Director, Laboratory Sciences and Services Division at icddr,b said, “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. Our highly skilled, dedicated scientists and clinicians, along with state of the art laboratories will now be able to serve patients with high quality diagnosis which they have always been relied on.”

Only the patient and one accompanying attendant will be allowed inside the testing facility. They must wear face mask and properly adhere to the Government’s health and hygiene guidelines.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Bangladesh 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 and so far tested more than 27,000 samples free of charge (testing kits were provided by the DGHS).

For appointment please visit: http://covid19test.icddrb.org

Sample collection: icddr,b Diagnostic Centre, 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Ave, Dhaka

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About icddr,b diagnostic centre: icddr,b offers a range of diagnostic services to the general public, using its internationally accredited laboratories (ISO 15189:2012 and ISO 15190:2003). Profits from these services support the life-saving work of its diarrhoeal disease hospitals in Dhaka and Matlab, Chandpur.

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TIK