Chandigarh Administration cuts RT-PCR test rate to Rs299

Chandigarh, January 13

The UT Administration today revised the cap on Covid-19 test rates and ordered all private laboratories to lower the charges.

A maximum of Rs299 will now be charged for Covid-19 RT-PCR testing performed at private laboratories in the city. The earlier fixed maximum charge per test was Rs450. It will be inclusive of GST/all taxes, cost involved in pick-up, PPE, packing, transportation of samples, documentation and reporting.

The price for the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) remains unchanged at Rs350.

The IgG-based ELISA testing (antibody test) has been fixed at Rs250. The samples collected through home visits will cost Rs200. The upper cap for True Nat testing is Rs1,250.

The UT Administration said the rates were revised “after due consideration and taking into account the cost of kits and consumables and rates fixed by the Haryana and Punjab governments”.

Any private lab found charging a higher amount will be penalised under Section 188 of the IPC.