Maharashtra: RT-PCR rate cut to ₹600 in labs, antigen tests to ₹150

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 4,500, the price of RT-PCR was brought down to Rs 1,600 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 2,000 in September. The rate for bulk testing has been fixed at Rs 500, a reduction from Rs 700.

The state has also revised the rates for rapid antigen tests to Rs 150 in a lab or a hospital, and Rs 200 if carried out in a kiosk or a place of mass collection, say, an airport or a station. The home collection rate is fixed at Rs 300, down from Rs 700 earlier.

The rates for antibody tests through Elisa and CLIA methods have been laid down. An antibody test in a lab or hospital will cost Rs 250 and Rs 350 for ELISA and CLIA, respectively. At home, it will be Rs 400 and Rs 550 for ELISA and CLIA, respectively.