The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved nine systems for molecular testing of SARS-CoV-2 for hassle-free international travel, all of which are considered equivalent to the RT-PCR method.

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The nine systems of COVID testing include Open system RTPCR, TrueNat, GeneXpert, RTLAMP, CRISPR/TATAMD CHECK/FELUDA, Abbott ID Now, Accula by Thermofisher, Rapid RTPCR, and CoviDx DirectPlex. All the labs which will conduct the tests would follow the ICMR and Health Ministery guidelines to ensure genome sequencing of all positive cases, the ICMR said on 1st December.

All the airports have been directed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to facilitate RT-PCR testing of passengers by extending the required facilities and logistics. The travellers undergoing random sampling may give the sample and leave. However, random sampling would be limited to 2 per cent as per the latest guidelines and it would be on a self-paid basis, the ICMR said.