By Janani Vithanage
The COVID-19 pandemic has really shaken us up – and not in the best ways. Gone are the carefree days when all we did to remedy a viral “flu” was lounging in bed all day, taking a couple of Panadols and downing a spoonful of honey with lemon squeezed into it. Now, symptoms as trivial as a sudden fit of coughing, a stuffy nose or a scratchy throat are enough to send the first shivers of panic slithering down your spine.
As is the case with all diseases, efficient, accurate testing is crucial for the management of this viral infection. This is why PCRs are so important. This test involves the isolation and analysis of DNA obtained from a patient’s nasal swab sample. If the DNA of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is detected during the PCR, the patient’s test report will state that he or she is COVID-19 positive. A PCR should be carried out within 3 to 7 days of the onset of symptoms like fatigue, a cough, fever, a sore throat, a sudden loss in sense of smell and/or taste, a runny nose, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea. The advantage of a PCR over an antigen test is the fact that PCRs are much more specific and reliable, so you don’t need to worry about false positive (or negative) test results.
However, simply knowing how a PCR works is not enough. Once one decides to actually get tested, the real struggle begins; endlessly calling friends and family and asking them where they got their PCRs done, how much they spent and whether or not health and safety standards were maintained during testing. This is where we come in. Fear not, regardless of whether you live in Colombo or elsewhere, we’ve got you covered. The list below states places where you can get your testing done safely and rest assured that your final report will be error-free.
Medic on Call
This is a purely home visit based PCR service. All you need to do is call them and let them know your address and contact details and they’ll arrive right at your doorstep at whichever time is convenient for you! And what’s more, they guarantee that you’ll receive your results within 24 hours.
Visit their website for more information.
Contact Number: 071 157 0000 or 071 157 0003
Price: 8500LKR + 1500 for transport
In Colombo
1. Durdans Hospital
Location: 3, Alfred Place, Colombo 03000
Contact Number: 011 2140 000
Price: 6500LKR or 9500LKR + transport fee for home visits
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
2. CDEM Hospital
Location: 21, Norris Canal Road, Colombo 01000
Contact Number: 0117 463 600
Price: 6500LKR or 6500LKR + transport fee for home visits
Opening Times: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
3. Forte Diagnostics
Location: 1, Boteju Road, Thimbirigasyaya Road, Colombo 05000
Contact Number: 077 3633 140
Price: 6500LKR
Opening Times: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Anuradhapura
4. Lanka hospitals Laboratories Anuradhapura
Location: 395/10A, Bandaranayaka Mawatha, Kada 50, Anuradhapura
Contact Number: 0254 552 051
Price: 6500LKR
Opening Times: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Jaffna
5. Jaffna Teaching Hospital
Location: Hospital Street, Jaffna 40000
Contact Number: 0212 223 348
Price: Free of charge
Opening Times: 8:00 am to 12 noon
Mannar
6. District General Hospital – Mannar
Location: Thalvupadu, Mannar Road, Mannar 41000
Contact Number: 0232 222 261
Price: Free of charge
Opening Times: 8:00 am to 12 noon
Kurunegala
8. Durdans Medical Center, Kurunegala
Location: 142/A, Colombo Road, Kurunegala
Contact Number: 0372 231 052
Price: 6500LKR
Opening Times: 8:30 am to 1:30 pm
Kandy
9. Asiri Hospital Kandy
Location: 907, Peradeniya Road, Kandy 20000
Contact Number: 0814 528 800
Price: 6500LKR
Opening Times: time slots must be booked via the “Asiri Health” app
Ratnapura
10. Aloka Hospital
Location: Inner Circular Road, Rathnapura
Contact Number: 0452 223 200
Price: 6500LKR or 6500LKR + transport fee for home visits
Opening Times: 8:30 am to 4:30pm
Trincomalee
11. District General Hospital – Trincomalee
Location: Hospital Lane, Trincomalee
Contact Number: 0262 222 261
Price: Free of charge
Opening Times: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Badulla
12. Provincial General Hospital – Badulla
Location: Daya Gunasekara Mawatha, Badulla
Contact Number: 0552 222 261
Price: Free of charge
Opening Times: 12 noon to 1:00 pm
Galle
13. Melsta Laboratories – Galle Regional Laboratory
Location: 368G+XRW, Galle 80000
Contact Number: 0915 660 660
Price: 6500LKR
Opening Times: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Ampara
14. Prabhoda Hospital
Location: 21, Pandukabaya Mawatha, Ampara 32000
Contact Number: 0632 223 606
Price: 6500LKR
Opening Times: Appointments can be made by calling them before you arrive
Matara
15. Asiri Hospital – Matara
Location: 26, Esplanade Road, Uyanwatta, Matara 81000
Contact Numbner: 0417 501 501
Price: 6500LKR or 6500LKR + transport fee for home visits
Opening Times: 7:00 am to 10:30 am, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Now that you’ve read our guide, you won’t need to stress over PCR details anymore. Go ahead and get tested. Remember, the correct diagnosis will not only protect you but those around you as well. Stay safe!
