RT-PCR report: How to check RT PCR test report result online

By
Sonal Choudhary
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If you are showing COVID-19 symptoms, your healthcare provider might recommend you to get the RT-PCR test done at once. In addition to that, a negative RT-PCR test report is a must in case you are travelling to certain states in India, outside India, visiting public places, returning to work or attending public events. You can visit any of the labs or hospitals in your vicinity approved for RT-PCR testing to get the test done or book yourself a home sample collection. Your RT PCR test report can be accessed online. One can also download the report on the device for offline use. If you are wondering how to check RT-PCR report result online, here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

How to check RT-PCR test report result online

All information corresponding to COVID-19 testing in India is readily available on the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) portal – www.icmr.gov.in. You can click on the ‘COVID-19 TEST REPORT’ tab on the website or directly head to report.icmr.org.in to view your test report result online.

  • As you open the COVID-19 Report Portal, you need to enter your registered Mobile Number given at the time of sample collection and click on ‘Get OTP’ to receive a one-time password on your phone

  • Once you have entered the OTP, click on ‘Verify & Proceed’. You will then find a list of your Name, Age and Gender followed by an Action column

  • Click on the ‘History’ button under the Action column to view your COVID-19 testing details, including SRF ID, dates of sample collection and testing, test type and test result (positive or negative)

Note: In case you have got the RT-PCR test done more than once, your latest test report can be seen upon clicking the ‘History’ button at the bottom of the list.

RT-PCR test report result time

It takes up to 24 hours from the time of sample collection for the RT-PCR test result to come in. However, it might sometimes take a few days too depending on the time it takes for your sample to reach the lab after collection.

While you wait for your COVID-19 test report, it is imperative that you wear a snugly-fit face mask, avoid close contact with others and if possible, isolate yourself at home to keep those around you safe.

FAQs

How to save RT-PCR test report on your device?

Follow the steps mentioned above to check your RT-PCR test results online and then click on the Download button under the Action column to open up your report. You can then save it on your laptop or smartphone.

Alternatively, you can take the screenshot of the report as well or check your RT-PCR test result and download your report from the dedicated COVID-19 website of your respective state as well using your SRF ID (received via SMS at the time of sample collection) and your registered Mobile Number.

Is there any official Android or iOS app to download RT-PCR test report on mobile?

There is no official app on Android or iOS from where you can access and download your RT-PCR test report on mobile. The RT-PCR app, developed by National Informatics Centre, is in fact a tool that can only be used by collection centre technicians for transferring COVID-19 tests data to the ICMR portal through mobile. It is not meant to be used by individuals/patients who have undertaken the test.

Who needs to get RT-PCR test and who doesn’t?

Amidst the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country, the ICMR has issued a fresh set of guidelines on who needs to get an RT-PCR test and who doesn’t. Here’s what you need to know:

You should get tested if:

  • · You’re showing symptoms like fever, sore throat, cough, loss of taste and/or smell, shortness of breath, etc.
  • · You’ve been exposed to people who tested positive and fall in the high-risk group (above 60 years of age or have comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, chronic lung or kidney disease, etc.)
  • · You’re travelling internationally (depending on country-specific requirements)
  • · You’re arriving at Indian airports or ports from a foreign country (as per laid-down guidelines)
  • · You’ve to undergo an emergency procedure including surgeries and deliveries (as per discretion of the treating doctor)

You need not get tested if:

  • · You’re asymptomatic
  • · You’ve been in close contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases, but do not identify as high risk (based on age and comorbidities)
  • · You’ve been discharged as per home isolation guidelines or as per revised discharge policy (if you have been admitted in a COVID-19 facility)


Testing done through any of the available tests including RT-PCR, home or self-test/RAT, and molecular testing will be considered confirmatory, as per the new guidelines of ICMR. But, if you’re symptomatic and have tested negative on your home/self-test or RAT, it is mandatory that you undertake the RT-PCR test.