Diagnostics lab at K.R. Hospital begins operations

Given the huge rush of patients suffering from fever at K.R. Hospital in the past two weeks, the hospital authorities have started operating the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) to ascertain whether patients are suffering from dengue or other vector-borne diseases.

S. Chandrashekar, superintendent of the hospital, told The Hindu that blood samples of those showing symptoms of dengue will be taken and examined at the hospital. ELISA test will be conducted, he said. The diagnostics are being done free of charge, he said, adding that the hospital had started operations at the laboratory without waiting for a formal inauguration.

Blood samples of hundreds of people have been tested in the lab, he said, adding that the lab reports will be given to the patients. Copies of the lab reports will be sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune and Chennai, he added.

The laboratory, set up at a cost of ₹1.3 crore, was slated to be inaugurated in July. Mysuru and Bengaluru (Victoria Hospital) are the two places in the State where labs have been set up to fight viral epidemics.

Cost of diagnosis

Meanwhile, Chidambar, district vector-borne diseases control officer, said private laboratories, nursing homes and private hospitals cannot collect more than the stipulated fee for diagnosis. He said private labs can collect ₹250 per person for conducting NS1 test and up to ₹500 if the they conduct NS1, IG and ELISA tests.

Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep, who is also the district magistrate, warned private hospitals and laboratories of dire consequences if found admitting patients on the pretext of dengue and collecting huge amounts from them for treatment. The DC said he had received a few complaints of private hospitals charging exorbitant amounts for treatment.