COVID-19 rapid test facility at Dubai-Abu Dhabi border

The instant screening centre in Ghantoot has been in high demand

Last updated: August 05, 2020 | 15:10

Pictures by Ahmed Ramzan, Staff Photographer and Compiled by Devadasan K P, Picture Editor

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A resident gets the test done at the Ghantoot Rapid testing facility on Dubai-Abu Dhabi border. The procedure, known as Diffractive Phase Interferometry, or DPI, uses lasers to identify Covid-19 infections in less then 5 minutes.

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Paramedic staff at screening centre at the Ghantoot Rapid testing facility on Dubai-Abu Dhabi border. Since its launch, the convenient testing method has seen throngs of people queueing up to get tested so they can enter Abu Dhabi emirate. An online booking service has therefore been introduced to streamline the number of people showing up for the test, and everyone, other than families, must pre-book their visit.

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Paramedic staff at screening centre at the Ghantoot Rapid testing facility on Dubai-Abu Dhabi border. The procedure, known as Diffractive Phase Interferometry, or DPI, uses lasers to identify Covid-19 infections in less then 5 minutes.

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Plans are underway to build new testing centres at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road and also on the highway connecting Dubai and Al Ain.

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It uses a laser-based technique, known as Diffractive Phase Interferometry (DPI), to detect virus-caused inflammation markers in the blood. The testing technique, which produces results within minutes, was developed by Abu Dhabi-based QuantLase Imaging Lab, a medical arm of an investment firm, International Holding Company, and the tent in Ghantoot is operated by Tamouh Healthcare.

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Those who test positive have to undergo a PCR test via a nasal swab, which is also available at the Ghantoot tent and await a negative result that will allow them to enter Abu Dhabi.

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Visitors leave after their screening at screening centre at the Ghantoot Rapid testing facility on Dubai-Abu Dhabi border.

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Residents leave after their screening at screening centre at the Ghantoot Rapid testing facility on Dubai-Abu Dhabi border.

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The blood sample is placed on a laser machine that identifies an increase in blood cells, which is an indication of the presence of the virus.

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The rapid testing facility for COVID-19 at the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border has seen massive demand for its services since its launch. The laser test that gives results in less than five minutes and costs only Dh50 has eased up commute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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The facility is run from an air-conditioned tent near the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border and is manned by over 150 medical staff and technicians.

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The rapid test is available only to UAE residents, as an Emirates ID is required for registration.

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