India’s first drive-through COVID-19 sample collection facility introduced

In a first for India, citizens will now be able to get tested for the coronavirus without leaving the comfort of their vehicle. Dr. Dang’s laboratory in West Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi, has set up a drive-through COVID-19 sample collection facility to curb the spread of the virus.

The lab takes appointments for the drive-through sampling facility via their website, www.drdangslab.com. In order to be eligible for this facility, customers will have to provide three mandatory documents – a government ID, a doctor’s prescription advising COVID-19 testing and a patient proforma.

This drive-through system, according to Dr Arjun Dang, chief executive officer, Dr Dangs Lab, ensures maximum safety and minimum exposure for the patient and the medical personnel while collecting the samples.  It is said to be inspired from countries abroad that have successfully implemented this facility.

The sample-collection process starts off with the patient driving to the lab at their given time of appointment. A medical professional would then collect samples of the patient through their car’s window while wearing all the necessary protective equipment to prevent the transmission of the virus. The entire process is said to take around 10-12 minutes. The sample collection area will be disinfected before and after the patient visits the facility.

The cost for the drive-through sample collection facility at Dr. Dang’s lab is set at Rs 4,500. Meanwhile, the reports of the tests will be given to the patient through email within 24 to 36 hours of the sample collection.

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus had led to a 21-day nationwide lockdown in India, which is causing a number of disruptions in the automobile industry. Click here to see how manufacturers are dealing with industry issues during this pandemic.

Also read

How India's automakers have joined the fight against Coronavirus