The Hindu : Front Page : Corporation to collect blood samples from homes

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Wednesday, Jan 06, 2010
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Corporation to collect blood samples from homes

R. Sujatha

CHENNAI: A scheme to collect blood samples from the doorsteps of residents and deliver the test results free of cost is to be launched after Pongal by the Chennai Corporation.

The investigation will be done at diagnostic laboratories run by the civic body at a nominal cost. The Corporation’s helpline number is 1913.

The scheme, announced in the 2009-10 Budget of the Corporation, is aimed to help women who find it difficult to go out during morning hours due to household chores.

“One person will be appointed for the purpose of collecting samples in each of the 10 zones. Depending on the need we will depute more people,” Corporation Commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni told The Hindu. The civic body has proposed to outsource the job of collection and delivery.

The Corporation runs six diagnostic laboratories. “The cost for the tests [at Corporation laboratories] is about 40 to 50 per cent lower than the market rate,” Mr. Lakhoni said. The tests are open to all residents in the Chennai Corporation limits.

An ECG costs Rs.40, an ultrasound Rs.150 and an X-ray Rs.50. Random testing for blood glucose costs Rs.15 and pre-prandial and postprandial test Rs.30.

A lipid profile test is provided for Rs.60 and a liver function test for Rs.100. The scheme would also benefit those who need blood glucose monitor tests.

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