Antibody rapid test for COVID-19 begins in Odisha capital

Bhubaneswar: Antibody rapid test for detection of COVID-19 commenced in Bhubaneswar yesterday, Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department sources said.

“It is a serological test. Blood is taken from the vein and the result can be known in 15-30 minutes. This test is being done primarily for the purpose of surveillance,” the department said in a tweet.

Initially, persons on active duty such as healthcare workers, police force, sanitation workers, delivery personnel, vegetable vendors, milk booth owners, as well as people living in containment zones and nearby slums shall be covered on priority for rapid tests in Bhubaneswar, it said.

Testing in Bhubaneswar is being organised systematically by BMC and Health Department. The department has requested the residents of the city to contact their RWA, ANM, ASHA and ward officer to avail testing in orderly and smooth manner.

Collection of nasal and throat swabs for RT-PCR test will continue for all contacts of positive cases, all SARI and ILI cases, all persons with flu-like symptoms and all high risk asymptomatic cases throughout the state including Bhubaneswar, it added.