LifeCell International, India's premier umbilical cord blood bank and diagnostics services provider, has been recognised by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) vide registration no. LIKTN, to join the Government's fight against Covid-19 pandemic in the county. With this LifeCell has been formally inducted into the Government's approved laboratories to perform diagnostic and confirmatory tests for detecting Covid-19.

This endorsement approves LifeCell to conduct Covid-19 testing on people who have symptoms of fever, cough, difficulty of breathing and suspected to be carrying the virus. Testing is only undertaken upon the prescription of a certified doctor and on furnishing government issued ID proof as specified by ICMR.

Ishaan Khanna, CEO, LifeCell said, "As a healthcare contributor to the nation, we have been quite eager to participate in the Government's agenda in protecting and saving the people from this pandemic. Considering the urgency, we have been working aggressively even during lock down in getting our laboratory gear-up for Covid-19 testing. With this approval, we are now ready to commence testing immediately."

LifeCell will be using ICMR approved kits and RT-PCR technology for testing which comprises both screening and confirmatory tests and is considered as the Gold Standard for testing this pandemic. LifeCell will be collecting the samples from across the state of Tamilnadu and other major metropolitan cities across the country. The samples will be safely transported to LifeCell's main laboratory at Chennai where it will be tested. The company has constituted a team of dedicated professionals at the laboratory to handle the Covid-19 samples & testing process with additional layers of safety and priority. The results will be available between 24 to 48 hours. The entire process of collection, testing and release of reports will be governed by the guidelines issued by ICMR, GoI and the State Health Department.

The test will be offered at Rs.4,500 and free of cost for individuals who fall below the poverty line as indicated by ICMR. LifeCell has taken an innovative step towards 'Mobile Covid-19 Testing' to reduce the risk of transmission and also provide better convenience to the patient. The sample can be collected either at home or at the door-step of the mobile vehicle at a secluded spot so that the patient doesn't have to travel to the laboratory and the privacy of the patient is also ensured.

Mr. Mayur Abhaya, Managing Director, LifeCell said, "We are glad and proud to be approved by the Government to extend our technical & clinical expertise in partnering in the nation's mission to fight against Covid-19. This is the beginning of a new era in healthcare. Collaborations with the Government can help the nation progress towards its objective of healthcare reach for all with quality and at affordable costs."