Odisha Fights COVID-19: Antibody Rapid Tests Begins In Corona Hotspot Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Antibody rapid test for detection of COVID-19 has commenced in Bhubaneswar, the Health and Family Welfare Department tweeted late on Saturday.

Elaborating on the serological test where blood is taken from the vein, the department said the result can be known in 15-30 minutes. This is being done primarily for the purpose of surveillance, it added.

The testing is being organised systematically by Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and Health Department.

Initially, persons on COVID-19 duty such as healthcare workers, police force, sanitation workers, delivery personnel, vegetable vendors, milk booth owners, as well as those living in containment zones and nearby slums in the Odisha capital will be covered on priority basis.

The department has requested the city denizens to contact their RWA, ANM, ASHA and ward officer to avail the facility in orderly and smooth manner.

“Collection of nasal and throat swabs for RTPCR 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.