ICMR has approved nine technologies for SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has authorised nine systems for SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing for easy international travel, all of which are regarded equal to the RT-PCR technique. Open system RTPCR, TrueNat, GeneXpert, RT-LAMP, CRISPR/TATAMD CHECK/FELUDA, Abbott ID Now, Accula by Thermofisher, Rapid RTPCR, and CoviDx DirectPlex are the nine Covid testing systems. The ICMR stated on Wednesday that all laboratories performing the tests will follow ICMR and Health Ministry rules to assure genome sequencing of all positive cases. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has urged all airports to allow RT-PCR testing of passengers by expanding the necessary facilities and logistics.

The travellers undergoing random sampling may give the sample and leave. However, random sampling would be limited to 2 per cent as per the latest guidelines and it would be on a self-paid basis, the ICMR said. The airport authorities may coordinate with the officials of states and UTs to select the passengers for random sampling.

As per the ICMR, post-arrival testing can be exempted if a person is travelling from a ‘NOT AT RISK’ country and has only a transit without leaving immigration in the ‘AT RISK’ countries before boarding the destination flight. However, if the person has travelled to any ‘AT RISK’ country in the last 14 days, he/she will be asked for post-arrival testing etc.

The travellers will have to submit their samples for post-arrival testing at the point of arrival. They will have to wait for the test results at the airport before leaving or taking a connecting flight. After the negative results are received, the passengers can take connecting flights to reach their final destination. The ICMR clarified that a passenger can exit the airport or can board a connecting flight for the final destination once the negative report is received. He/she need not wait for the report of all the co-passengers.