RT-PCR, rapid antigen test rates slashed in Maharashtra – Times of India

MUMBAI: The state government slashed the rates for RT-PCR, rapid antigen and antibody tests further on Wednesday. Now, getting an RT-PCR test in a hospital or a laboratory will cost Rs 600 and home collection Rs 800 in Maharashtra.
The public health department on Wednesday issued a notification announcing the new rates. From the initial cost of Rs 4500, the price of Rt-PCR was brought down to 1600 in September, Rs 850 in December and now to Rs 600 if one walks into a laboratory or a hospital. The home collection rate is now Rs 800, down from Rs 2000 in September. The rate for bulk testing has been fixed at Rs 500, a reduction from Rs 700.
In addition, the state has also revised the rates for rapid antigen tests. An individual will pay Rs 150 if he/she walks into a lab or a hospital for an antigen test. The same test would cost Rs 200 if it’s carried out in a kiosk or a place of mass collection, say an airport or a station. The home collection rate for antigen has been fixed at Rs 300, down from previous rate of Rs 700.
The rates for antibody tests carried out through Elisa and CLIA methods have also been laid down. An antibody test in a lab or hospital will cost Rs 250 and Rs 350 for ELISA and CLIA respectively. If one is ordering these tests at home, it will cost Rs 400 and Rs 550 for ELISA and CLIA respectively.