COVID-19 Test Details, Methods, Cost, Results [2026]

What is a COVID-19 Test?

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) test detects the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the viral component that causes COVID-19. 

Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) is considered the most effective test for identifying the virus that causes COVID-19. Individuals’ nasal and throat swabs are obtained under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

The RT-PCR test is performed with an FDA-approved three-gene kit that detects SARS-CoV-2 viral variants, including Omicron. However, the kit cannot differentiate between the COVID variants.

Here are the topmost laboratories in India at which you can get your RT-PCR Test done, with a home collection of samples available at various diagnostic centres:

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• Dr Lal Path Labs
• Prognosis Laboratories
• MAX LAB- A unit of Max Hospital
• Dr Remedies Labs Pvt Ltd

Check ICMR Approved COVID-19 Testing Labs

Covid-19 RT PCR Test Cost [2026]

There are four different types/ methods of COVID tests, RT-PCR, Rapid antigen, CBNATT and Rapid RT-PCR. Each state has its own prices for each of the different methods. Thus, it is quite difficult to list all the prices.

However, the RT PCR method is the most popular method thus we have listed the prices for lab visits and home collection below.

COVID-19 Tests	Lab Visit Price	Home Collection Price
Delhi	Rs 500	Rs 700
Maharashtra/ Mumbai	Rs 500	Rs 700
Haryana/ Gurgaon	Rs 499	Rs 499
West Bengal/ Kolkata	Rs 500	Rs 700
Bihar/ Patna	Rs 700	Rs 900
Telangana/ Hyderabad	Rs 1000	Rs 1200
Karnataka/ Bangalore	Rs 1000	Rs 1200
Tamil Nadu/ Chennai	Rs 1000	Rs 1200

COVID antigen tests will cost Rs 300 in most parts of the country, whereas prices for Rapid RT PCR test ranges from Rs 2900 to Rs 4500 at different International airports in India.

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COVID Test at Home

As Covid has a high rate of infection, it is better to avail home sample collection. A technician will visit your home to collect the swab sample either from the nose or throat. Then, it will be taken to the lab for processing. Usually, the report is available within 24 hours.

Most of the diagnostic centres provide home collection facilities. The prices are given in the table above. We also provide COVID test home collection through our ICMR approved partner labs. Some of our partner labs are Max Lab, Prima diagnostics, Dr Lal path labs, SRL Lab, Metropolis healthcare, Prognosis lab and Dr Remedies lab.

Who should get a COVID-19 test and COVID Symptoms?

1. If you experience any of the following symptoms, your healthcare professional may prescribe COVID-19 testing:

• Fever or chills
• Dry Cough
• Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body ache
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• Throat discomfort/Sore throat
• Runny nose or congestion
• Vomiting or nausea
• Diarrhea

2. You’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive or is suspected of having the COVID-19 virus.

3. You did not stay at least 6 feet away from others while participating in activities that raise your risk of COVID-19, such as travel, big gatherings, or crowded indoor environments.

Note: COVID-19 does not cause symptoms in everyone. And not everyone who is ill exhibits all of the symptoms listed above. Even if you’ve been vaccinated, if you’re not feeling well during the COVID-19 pandemic, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your healthcare provider.

COVID-19 RT PCR Test Details

Documents required for Covid-19 RT-PCR test in India

The test requires an Aadhar card or a passport for identification.

1. Sample collection: The COVID-19 nose swab RT PCR test is accurate and reliable for COVID-19 diagnosis. A swab is used to collect respiratory fluid discovered in your nose by a healthcare expert. A swab is a long, flexible stick with a soft tip entering your nose. Nose swabs, which gather a sample immediately within your nostrils, and nasopharyngeal swabs, which collect a sample farther into the nasal cavity, are two types of nose swabs. Collecting material for the COVID-19 PCR test can be done with either type of swab. The swab is sealed in a tube and shipped to a laboratory after collection.
   
2. Extraction: When a laboratory scientist obtains a sample, he or she isolates (extracts) genetic material from the rest of the sample’s contents.

3. RT PCR: The RT PCR stage is subsequently completed with the help of specific chemicals and enzymes and a PCR machine known as a thermal cycler. The amount of targeted genetic material in the test tube rises (amplifies) with each heating and cooling cycle. After many cycles, the test tube contains millions of copies of a small piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s genetic material. If SARS-CoV-2 is present in the sample, one of the compounds in the tube emits a fluorescent light. The RT PCR machine can detect this signal once it has been amplified sufficiently. Scientists interpret the signal as a positive test result using specific software.

Results and Follow-Up

What does the RT-PCR result for Covid-19 mean?

The results are positive if the sample identifies the SARS-COV-2 virus’s particular genes. This result could be due to asymptomatic infection, but if you do have symptoms, you have COVID-19. Most people have minor illnesses and may recover at home without medical assistance. If your symptoms worsen or you have any questions or concerns, contact your healthcare professional.

A negative test result indicates that you were not infected with SARS-CoV-2 when your samples were taken. However, it is possible to have COVID-19 without the virus being detected by the test. This could happen if you’ve recently become infected but haven’t yet shown symptoms or if you’ve had COVID-19 for more than a week before getting tested. A negative test does not rule out the possibility of being exposed to COVID-19 after your test, being sick, and spreading the SARS-Cov-2 virus to others.

How long does it take to get coronavirus test results?

Your test results should arrive within 24 hours of sample collection, but it may take a few days, depending on how long the sample takes to reach the laboratory.

How long after having COVID-19 do you test negative?

The RT PCR test may detect tiny amounts of virus material since it is sensitive. This suggests that even after you’ve recovered from COVID-19 and are no longer contagious, the test can detect bits of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Though you’ve had COVID-19 in the past, you may continue to test positive even if you can’t spread the SARS-CoV-2 virus to others.

Long-term infection in immunocompromised people might result in transmitting infectious viruses for months. In addition, healthy people can reinfect themselves. You should consult a healthcare physician if you test positive for SARS-CoV-2 but believe you have already recovered from COVID-19.

Precautions for COVID19 and its Variant

• As much as possible, avoid all types of physical contact with others.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers and properly wash your hands on a frequent basis.
• Avoid smoking and any other habits that can injure your lungs.
• Always wear a face mask when you go outside.
• If you have a cough or sneeze, close your mouth and nose completely.
• Maintain social distancing, a meter away from someone who is sneezing or coughing.
• Hands must be thoroughly cleansed before touching your face, mouth, nose, or eyes.
• As much as possible, avoid unnecessary travel.
• Stay at home if your business is not critical.

Frequently Asked Questions on Coronavirus Covid-19 RT-PCR Test