Coronavirus: More screening centres across the UAE to offer Dh50 laser test

Appointments must be booked in advance for the rapid blood test that offers commuter a faster and cheaper way to enter Abu Dhabi

Nearly 6,000 people are tested at the Ghantoot laser centre every day. Antonie Robertson / The National

Medics at the Ghantoot testing centre on the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi use a laser technique to scan a blood sample for signs of surging red blood cells, which is an early sign the body is fighting off a virus. Antonie Robertson / The National

A medic testing a commuter for Covid-19. Antonie Robertson / The National

The results of the Diffractive Phase Interferometry test, or DPI, which detects viral presence in the blood, including Covid-19, are received in minutes via a text message. Antonie Robertson / The National

The test costs Dh50 and is very quick compared with the PCR test that can take time to get a result. Antonie Robertson / The National

The facility was set up to allow commuters who require a negative Covid-19 test to enter Abu Dhabi. Those with negative results can continue their journey. Antonie Robertson / The National

A Dh50 laser test that can be used to enter Abu Dhabi emirate is now available at a dozen testing centres across the UAE.

The diffractive phase interferometry (DPI) test offers commuters travelling to Abu Dhabi a cheaper and faster way to enter the capital, which requires a negative Covid-19 to cross the border.

The rapid blood test does not confirm if someone has Covid-19 – but does show whether the person's red blood cells are surging to fight off an illness.

It will now be available at many drive-through screening facilities that previously only offered the PCR nasal swab tests for Dh370.

Medics at those centres will now also provide the five-minute, cheaper test.

On Saturday, authorities said the DPI test could be taken at three locations in Abu Dhabi (Zayed Sports City, Cornice, Laser Screening Centre in Ghantoot), Al Ain (Al Hili Wedding Hall, Al Hili), Dubai (Mina Rashed, Al Khawaneej) and across the Northern Emirates (Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Emirates Hospitality Centre in Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and in Fujairah).

The centres are run by either Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) or Tomouh Healthcare.

Appointments must be booked in advance on a dedicated website for Ghantoot, Al Hili Wedding Centre and Ajman.

All other locations can be booked using the Seha app.

The new locations will take the pressure of the first centre at Ghantoot, near the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border, which has previously been booked up weeks in advance.

The centre at Ghantoot processes about 6,000 drivers per day.

Anyone who fails the test is not permitted entry and is taken aside and asked to undergo a PCR test for Covid-19.

The test is valid for 48 hours and only used to cross the border.