Hyderabad Airport: Covid Testing Availability And Facilities

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad, India, has a COVID-19 testing laboratory for passengers on international flights. The testing facility was inaugurated by the Telangana State Health Minister in November 2020 and is a collaboration between the airport and Mapmygenome, a Hyderabad-based NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) certified agency. The laboratory provides RT-PCR tests for arriving and departing international passengers, with results available in 4-6 hours.

COVID-19 testing is available for international passengers

As per the government mandate, international passengers arriving at Hyderabad Airport have to carry their negative RT-PCR test report, conducted within 96 hours before their departure from the origin country. This report must be shown to the state government officials at the airport to avoid institutional quarantine. However, with the RT-PCR testing facility now available at the airport, passengers can also get themselves tested once they land in Hyderabad.

The Mapmygenome Covid-19 Test Lab has been set up at Hyderabad International Airport and is operational 24/7. The lab offers testing facilities for passengers, as well as walk-in options for airport personnel or anyone else interested in getting a test. For arriving international passengers with an onward journey, the sample collection counter is available at the immigration level. For departing international passengers, another sample collection counter is available at the forecourt of the Interim International Departures Terminal (IIDT).

As per Telangana State health regulations, all arriving international passengers with onward connections need to have a negative RT-PCR test certificate (obtained within 96 hours before departure) either from the port of origin or by getting tested on arrival at Hyderabad Airport to avoid institutional quarantine. In the case of a positive result, the passenger will be processed in line with applicable ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) protocols by the state authorities.

With a negative RT-PCR test report, arriving international passengers can continue their onward journey or get an exemption from institutional quarantine. However, they will have to undergo home quarantine as per government norms, unless they qualify for special exemptions.

Testing is conducted in collaboration with Mapmygenome

Hyderabad International Airport has an on-site Covid-19 testing laboratory for passengers on international flights. The Covid-19 testing laboratory is equipped with all the necessary testing and sample collection facilities, in compliance with the protocols established by NABL and ICMR.

The testing is conducted in collaboration with Mapmygenome, a Hyderabad-based NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) certified agency. Mapmygenome is India's largest personal genomics company that encourages people to be proactive about their health. The company offers personalized health solutions based on genetic tests that help people understand their genetic selves.

Mapmygenome was among the first private diagnostic labs to receive approval from the Telangana State Government for Covid-19 testing. Their lab analyzes samples for SARS-CoV-2 from walk-in customers, healthcare partners, home collections, and corporate clients.

The Mapmygenome Covid Testing Lab at GMR Hyderabad International Airport was inaugurated by Telangana State Health Minister Sri Etela Rajender and Dr Ranjith Reddy, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha. The ICMR and NABL-certified lab operates 24/7 for passengers and airport personnel. Passengers can take the test at the immigration level or the forecourt of the Interim International Departures Terminal. Oropharyngeal swabs are used for sample collection for the RT-PCR-based test, and results are available in four to six hours via email and WhatsApp.

As per the government mandate, international passengers arriving in Hyderabad must carry a negative RT-PCR test report, conducted within 96 hours before departure from the origin country. This report must be furnished to the state government officials at the airport to avoid institutional quarantine. However, with the RT-PCR testing facility available at the airport, passengers can now get themselves tested upon arrival in Hyderabad.

Passengers must carry a negative RT-PCR test report

As per the government mandate, international passengers arriving at Hyderabad Airport must carry a negative RT-PCR test report conducted within 96 hours before their departure from the origin country. This report must be shown to state government officials at the airport to avoid institutional quarantine. However, passengers can also opt to get themselves tested at the airport upon arrival.

The COVID-19 testing laboratory at Hyderabad Airport is equipped with all necessary testing and sample collection facilities, complying with the protocols established by the ICMR and NABL. The lab operates 24/7, and passengers can avail of the test at the immigration level or the forecourt of the Interim International Departures Terminal. Results are typically available within 4-6 hours via email and WhatsApp, and a hard copy of the report is also provided.

It is important to note that, in some cases, passengers who presented a negative PCR report from the previous night were declared COVID positive at Hyderabad Airport. This discrepancy may be due to the rapid nature of the test or the potential for false negatives. Therefore, it is advisable for passengers to get tested at a certified facility within 96 hours before their departure to ensure accurate results and a smooth travel experience.

Additionally, random COVID testing has been implemented at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for international passengers arriving from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, and China. As per reports, two per cent of passengers arriving by each international flight will be subject to random coronavirus testing, with multiple counters set up for sample collection.

Positive results may lead to institutional quarantine

Hyderabad International Airport has a COVID-19 testing laboratory for passengers on international flights. The airport has collaborated with Mapmygenome, a National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-certified agency, to provide testing services.

As per the government mandate, international passengers arriving in Hyderabad must carry a negative RT-PCR test report, conducted within 96 hours before departure from the origin country. This report must be submitted to state government officials at the airport to avoid institutional quarantine. However, if a passenger does not have a valid negative RT-PCR test report from before their departure, they can undergo testing at the airport upon arrival.

In the event of a positive COVID-19 test result at the airport, passengers may be subject to institutional quarantine as per applicable government protocols. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) protocols will be followed by state authorities in the case of positive results. This means that passengers who test positive will be processed by state authorities and may be required to undergo institutional quarantine. The exact duration and location of the institutional quarantine will vary based on local regulations and the specific circumstances of each case.

It is important to note that there have been instances where passengers have questioned the reliability of the COVID-19 testing at Hyderabad Airport. In one such case, a passenger claimed that they tested positive at the airport but soon after tested negative using a home-kit test. This incident highlights the potential for false positive or false negative results, which can have significant implications for travellers. Therefore, it is advisable for passengers to be aware of the latest testing requirements and protocols, as well as their rights and options in the event of a positive test result.

Testing facilities ensure a safe journey for passengers

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about several changes in the way we travel. Testing has emerged as a key tool to ensure safe travel, and airports have been at the forefront of implementing testing facilities to prevent the spread of the virus through air travel.

Hyderabad Airport, also known as Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, has introduced an on-site COVID-19 testing laboratory to facilitate a safe journey for all passengers. The testing facility is available for all passengers on international flights and is equipped with the necessary testing and sample collection facilities, complying with protocols established by the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) and NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories).

As per government regulations, international passengers arriving in Hyderabad must carry a negative RT-PCR test report conducted within 96 hours before departure from the origin country. This report must be presented to state government officials at the airport to avoid institutional quarantine. However, with the testing facility at Hyderabad Airport, passengers can now get tested upon arrival as well. This is especially useful for those who may face challenges in obtaining a negative RT-PCR report within the specified time frame before their departure.

The testing facility at Hyderabad Airport is a collaborative effort between GHIAL (GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd.) and Mapmygenome, a Hyderabad-based NABL and ICMR-certified agency. Mapmygenome provides highly accurate and widely accepted RT-PCR test results, ensuring reliability and peace of mind for travellers. The laboratory operates 24/7, catering to both passengers and airport personnel. Passengers can avail of the test at the immigration level or the forecourt of the Interim International Departures Terminal, with results available within 4-6 hours.

The availability of COVID-19 testing at Hyderabad Airport enhances the safety of air travel, providing confidence to travellers and ensuring that the airport remains a safe environment for all. This measure is a crucial step in preventing the spread of the virus and protecting the health of both passengers and the wider community.

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