MINSK, 1 June (BelTA) – Since 1 June the microbiological laboratory located on the premises of the Minsk National Airport will use an innovative diagnostics reagent for COVID-19 PCR testing, SmartAmp, BelTA informs citing the official Telegram channel of the airport.
“This technology will increase the capacity of the laboratory and reduce the time of testing. It boasts high sensitivity and clinical reliability,” the Telegram channel reads.
According to the Minsk City Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology, the introduction of this novel point-of-care testing service was prompted by numerous requests from air passengers who needed to get test results as fast as possible. A decision on the further use of the SmartAmp technology by the microbiological laboratory of the Minsk National Airport will depend on the effectiveness and demand of the service.
The laboratory is open from Monday to Friday from 6.30 till 18.00, and on Saturday and Sunday - till 17.00 (technical break from 12.00 till 13.00). To take a test, one needs to present a copy of a passport, a copy of a ticket or other document confirming departure, a document confirming payment for the test. Biological material for PCR testing using the SmartAmp technology will be collected from 7.30 till 16.00 (Saturday and Sunday - till 15.00) on a first-come-first-serve basis. Test results will be issued after 11.00, but not earlier than two hours from the moment biological material was taken and the paperwork done.
As of 1 June the PCR test using the SmartAmp technology will cost Br67.43 for residents of Belarus and Br85.20 for non-residents.
