Laboratories charge 100 euros for PCR tests with rapid results

A PCR test (illustration).

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Some French laboratories charge patients for a faster result in coronavirus screening tests.

A practice that "firmly condemns" the Ministry of Health.

The current strong demand causes a wait to take the samples and then to receive the results of the PCR tests.

Establishments therefore now offer, for a hundred euros, to obtain a response within 48 hours maximum, reveals a survey of

.

"Now is the time for solidarity, not for everyone for themselves"

A laboratory located in the center of Paris, for example, bills this service 96 euros.

In Saint-Denis, another place claims 100 euros.

However, each week, more than a million PCR tests are performed.

Their cost has been covered by Health Insurance since the end of July.

So the patient is not supposed to pay anything.

"Charging for easier access to a test goes against the testing policy in France," explains the Ministry of Health, which refers to the "illegality" of this system.

“Faced with the epidemic, it is time for solidarity and responsibility, not everyone for himself.

"

The situation has been notified to the Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) which should initiate an investigation.

“From a regulatory, legal and ethical point of view, we cannot charge and take money from the French, in addition to the price reimbursed by Social Security,” reacted the president of the National Union of Biologists François Blanchecotte.

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• Screening