Dr Dangs Lab has operationalised India’s first drive-through COVID-19 test site in west Punjabi Bagh in the national capital. The drive-through unit has attracted much applaud for its efforts and is said to be beneficial to both patients and providers. Dr Arjun Dang, Associate Lab Director, Dr Dangs Lab in a chat with Raelene Kambli speaks about proof of concept and how others can replicate this model
You have recently started with the drive-through testing unit. Why do you think this system can be helpful?
India’s first initiative of providing drive-through COVID- 19 testing facilities in the heart of West Delhi was done keeping in mind the need to ensure maximum safety and minimum exposure to both the patient and the medical staff collecting the samples. This initiative was taken keeping in mind Dr Dangs Lab ethos i.e. ‘creating value over volumes.’ Safety of the patient and the medical staff is of the highest priority.
How does the system work?
The drive-through test begins with an online information sheet that an individual is required to fill out. It contains information fields about the ‘patient proforma’ i.e. their symptoms as well as the doctor’s prescription. Patients are also required to jot down their car number and then make the model of their car, which is then verified ahead of the swab collection.
Each test costs Rs 4,500, as per the guidelines set for private labs by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Once the registration is complete, the patient is given a list of instructions in the form of a PDF document. The document titled ‘COVID-19 Drive-Thru – Dr Dangs Lab’ contains a set of pointers under ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’ sections.
When the patients reach Central Market, they are guided through a 30-40 metre long stretch. There are three stations in the drive-through, each being manned by two personnel. At the first station, the medical staff confirms the identity of the vehicle, while a sign is held up directing the patient to be seated on the right side of the vehicle.
The second station is in a 10-metre long lane that has been cordoned off using a barricade. The car has to be parked inside a white box at the end of the lane, next to a booth where personnel wearing personal protective equipment wait to collect the swabs.
The samples are then secured in a triple-layer packing. This means it will first be dispersed in a viral transport medium, a liquid inside a tube which is then wrapped up in cotton gauze and parafilm. The tube is kept inside a small container that is then locked in a thermocol along with ice packs.
The samples are then transported in a car to the lab’s COVID-19 testing facility at its Hauz Khas branch. Four cars are used to transport the samples, each heading out at intervals of 30-40 minutes taking with it one to two samples. The process is completed within 10-12 minutes. Reports are emailed and available on the website within 24-36 hours.
Do you think this strategy will work? If yes, how? Is there any proof of concept to it?
This model has worked very well in other countries such as South Korea and the US. It ensures seamless, safe and swift collection of the swabs.
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How is the data passed on to the authorities?
All private labs are mandated to upload all patient data and reports on the ICMR portal, along with the state authorities.
Tell us about your experience.
So far, the response has been good and the feedback from patients and our staff has been positive.
If any state or region needs to apply this strategy, what are the pre-requisites that are needed to be followed?
Granular planning and setup are required before implementation to ensure minimum time taken and also complete clarity to the patient before arrival. Also, training for the staff is crucial. We have had detailed training sessions for all our technicians regarding PPE (since our technicians change the entire PPE before each collection to ensure safety) infection control, sample collection and packaging protocols. Apart from this, measures have been undertaken to maintain the privacy of all patients and their vehicles while sampling.
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