Explained: How pooled testing works, when it helps

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Last week, the ICMR brought out an advisory on pooled testing, ideally in districts where incidence of COVID-19 is low.

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Faced with criticism about insufficient testing and the reality of limited resources, India has decided go for pooled testing in districts where no cases have been reported. Last week, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) brought out an advisory on pooled testing. "Number of COVID-19 cases in India is rising exponentially. In view of this, it is critical to increase the numbers of tests conducted by laboratories…" the advisory read. Beginning pooled testing would on the one hand give data on whether these really are zero-case districts, and on the other, save resources. So what is it? and where all can it be implemented? Here is a quick explainer on the process and how it could help.