Thiruvananthapuram: The rate of RT-PCR test to diagnose COVID-19 has been increased from Rs 1500 to Rs 1700 in the state. The private labs in the state had approached the high court pointing out that performing the test at Rs 1500 was not practical. The rate was revised as per the direction of the high court.

Earlier, the rate of RT-PCR test in private labs was Rs 4,500. The government reduced it four times and the rate was brought down to Rs 1500. However, the private labs approached the high court pointing out the expense of swab-based specimen collection, data entry and other expenses.

The court considered their petitions and directed the government to hold talks with the lab owners and reach consensus with them. With this, the government increased the rate by Rs 200. The health department issued a new order announcing the rate as Rs 1700. However, the rate of antigen test will remain at Rs 300. The rate of other tests also will remain unchanged.