Covid 19 Tests
As the city battles a pandemic, we stand strong to offer diagnostic support to every Mumbaikar.
Aspira Pathlab & Diagnostics has been approved for all COVID19 tests by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) and the Government of India.
Under the initiative, Shanti For Mumbaikars, Aspira Pathlab & Diagnostics now offers the following COVID-19 tests to help Mumbaikars feel safe and secured.
Guidelines For COVID-19 Testing
- All symptomatic (ILI symptoms) individuals with a history of international travel in the last 14 days
- All symptomatic (ILI symptoms) contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases
- All symptomatic (ILI symptoms) healthcare workers / frontline workers involved in the containment and mitigation of COVID-19.
- All patients of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI)
- Asymptomatic direct and high-risk contacts of a confirmed case to be tested once between day 5 and day 10 of coming into contact
- All symptomatic ILI within hotspots/containment zones
- All hospitalised patients who develop ILI symptoms
- All symptomatic ILI among returnees and migrants within 7 days of illness
- No emergency procedure (including deliveries) should be delayed for lack of tests. However, the sample can be sent for testing if indicated above (1-8), simultaneously
NB:
- ILI case is defined as one with acute respiratory infection with fever ≥ 38°C AND cough
- SARI case is defined as one with acute respiratory infection with fever ≥ 38°C AND cough AND requiring hospitalization
- All testing in the above categories is recommended by real-time RT-PCR test only
- All direct and high-risk contacts of confirmed positive cases quarantined at home are to be tested at once between Day 5 and Day 10 of coming into contact with positive patients. All such persons can directly approach the Laboratories for home collection of swabs for which no prescription from RMP will be required. A self attestation letter shall be submitted by such persons to the laboratories certifying that they are high risk contacts of the covid positive patient, stating the name of the covid positive patient
- If any of the direct and high-risk contacts of the confirmed positive persons develops symptoms before day 5 of coming in contact with the confirmed positive patient, she or he can be home tested immediately, on the basis of the self-attestation submitted by the person to the laboratories along with the swabs
- Hospitals that need testing for suspected COVID cases shall be entitled to do so directly through the lab and the test report can be shared with the hospital directly. However, the lab should simultaneously inform the Epidemiology Cell
- In all other cases, the lab shall first inform the MCGM of all confirmed positive cases. It shall be the duty of MCGM to then inform the patient. The labs cannot inform the COVID positive patients directly, except when as mentioned in point 3 above
- The lab should inform only the negative test results to the patients immediately
- The actual copy of the report of the positive cases can be shared by the lab with the patient only on the subsequent days
- Testing to be undertaken of the general citizens falling under following categories:
- All symptomatic persons (fever,cough,difficulty in breathing) within 14 days of international travel
- All symptomatic contacts of confirmed cases
- All symptomatic health care workers
- All hospitalised patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (fever and cough and/or shortness of breath)
- Pregnant Women residing in clusters/containment areas or in large migration gatherings /evacuees centre from hotspot districts presenting in labour or likely to deliver in the next 5 days should be tested even if asymptomatic. (Asymptomatic pregnant women should be tested in the facilities where they were expected to deliver and all arrangements should be made to collect and transfer samples to testing facilities. Women should not be referred for lack of testing facility.)
- All symptomatic patients identified in:
- SARI clinics
- Fever clinics
- OPD in Hospitals (Government and Registered Private)
- Only if there is a strong suspicion of COVID-19 in persons requiring elective surgery or surgery which can wait for 48 hours, doctor can ask for COVID-19 test. No emergency surgeries should be denied to the patient for want of COVID-19 test
- For patients on regular haemodialysis, test for COVID-19 should not be asked as a routine before every procedure and only if there is a strong suspicion, the person requiring dialysis is afflicted with COVID-19, then COVID-19 test may be prescribed and such patients, both suspected and positive COVID-19, should be referred to dialysis facility for COVID-19 patients.In all other cases, the guidelines given by the Government of India vide instructions dated 24/03/2020 and subsequently about use of Personal Protective Equipment should be followed.For Symptomatic patients, as referred above, prescription of registered medical professionals (Government/Semi Government/Private) is mandatory. The format of which is attached as Annexure-1. The testing laboratories should not accept any sample which is not supported by prescription in Annexure-1, in order to avoid testing of asymptomatic persons
- Testing guidelines for quarantined citizens: The quarantined asymptomatic, direct and high-risk contact of confirmed cases should be tested once between day 5 and 14 of coming in his/her contact
- Testing guidelines for admitted Positive Patients:
- Testing of mild/very mild/ pre-symptomatic cases shall not be required before discharge, if there are no symptoms seen on 7th, 8th & 9th days consecutively
- In case of moderate symptomatic patients,testing shall not be required if the patient recovered clinically
- Testing is required once before discharge in cases of critical Patients and immunocompromised patients when they have no symptoms for 3 days
However, the guidelines issued in this regard by the Government of Maharashtra (Reference No. 6) are required to be followed very stringently.
Learn More About Causes & Symptoms Of Coronavirus (Covid-19)
What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses. A few coronaviruses only affect animals, while others can affect humans. The coronavirus symptoms range from mild cold to flu-like symptoms to moderate and severe upper-respiratory infections.
Did you know? The SARS epidemic (severe acute respiratory syndrome) was caused by coronavirus as well. Some patients suffer from diarrhoea, as coronavirus is known to affect the gut. The current pandemic is caused by COVID-19.
How does COVID–19 spread?
- Currently, COVID–19 is spreading majorly from people to people
- When an infected person coughs or exhales, the infection spreads rapidly through small droplets from their nose or mouth
- One may directly get infected from coming in contact with the above-stated scenario
- One may also get infected upon touching these droplets that land on surfaces and objects. Hence, it is advised to avoid touching your face
- People can get infected with COVID-19 upon breathing in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. Therefore,
it is advised to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from other individuals.
What are the Symptoms of Coronavirus / COVID-19 Infection?
- COVID-19 infection has typical flu-like symptoms
- The symptoms may begin 2-10 days after initial infection
- Sneezing, runny nose, fever, fatigue & cough are all symptoms of COVID-19 infections. In certain patients, diarrhoea is reported
- 1 out of every 6 people who get infected with COVID-19 is severely affected and develops difficulty breathing
- Elderly people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness
- People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately
What are the Precautions against COVID-19 or Coronavirus Infection?
- Make sure you stay at home if you feel sick
- Avoid handshakes even with known people. Rather use gestures like waving, saying namaste, etc
- To touch light switches or elevator buttons, make use of your knuckle to ensure minimum contact. To lift anything, use a paper towel, tissue or disposable glove
- Avoid holding the door handles of bathrooms and commercial doors unless urgent and necessary. Try to open doors with fists or by using your hips as much as you can
- Make use of disinfectant wipes when touching door handles in stores, grocery carts, etc. for additional safety
- Ensure to wash hands regularly with soap and water or if not possible, use an alcohol- based sanitizer with over 60% alcohol content. Make sure you keep your hands clean and dry after washing
- At the home entrance and in your car, keep a bottle of sanitizer handy
- Always cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and discard it immediately
Can virus that causes COVID-19 infection be transmitted through the air?
COVID-19 is mainly transmitted by coming in contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air.
How to Diagnose Coronavirus Infection?
Coronavirus can be tested with a nasal swab or a blood test.
Currently, the Coronavirus testing is undertaken by select government institutions including the AIIMS and National Institute of Virology, Pune.
What are the Treatments for Coronavirus Infections?
Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for COVID-19. Medical care can help to relieve the symptoms.
Should I Wear a Mask While Stepping Out of Home?
Yes. Everyone should wear a mask before leaving their place.
WHO especially recommends the use of masks for people who have symptoms of COVID-19 and for those caring for individuals who have symptoms, such as cough and fever. The use of masks is crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone (at home or in a health care facility). People who are infected with COVID-19 or have flu-like symptoms should wear a mask so that they do not spread the infection.
What are the Things One Must Avoid during these Times?
- Avoid taking the following measures:
- Smoking
- Taking traditional herbal remedies
- Wearing multiple masks
- Taking self-medication such as antibiotics
Please note that in any case, if you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, please seek medical
care immediately to reduce the risk of developing a more severe infection
You can explore all COVID-19 tests and book most-suited tests and packages from the above section or by calling us on 7208042200