In its fight against COVID-19, the UAE has just opened up 18 new testing centres near the Abu Dhabi border, to facilitate the entry of people in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has opened new covid-19 DPI (Diffractive Phase Interferometry) drive-through centres, which will be open 24 hours a day. So, if you are planning to enter Abu Dhabi, here is all you need to know about the new test centres.
To detect Covid-19 cases, the laser-based Diffractive Phase Interferometry (DPI) test was introduced in July by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). The DPI technology allows authorities to conduct mass testing, as the results come in within seconds and help detect suspected cases of infections. The DPI test looks for specific inflammation markers caused by COVID-19 infection in a sample.
If you go for a DPI test, you will be required to give a blood sample, similar to a blood test done to check for blood sugar. The blood sample is smeared on a slide, which is then inserted into a DPI machine, which searches for any markers caused by COVID-19. The results are sent within seconds through an SMS to your phone.
From 24th December, citizens and residents must take a RT-PCR test (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test) or DPI test and receive a negative result within 72 hours of entering Abu Dhabi. The earlier validity for these two tests was 48 hours. The requirement for a re-test has also been updated. If a person is staying in the emirate for six or more consecutive days, they would need to take a PCR test on Day 6 from entry, or be liable for fines, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The day of arrival in Abu Dhabi is counted as Day 1.
The stations are located on both sides of the Al Faya road (E75), in the Seih Sheib area, right before Ghantoot crossing. As the testing centres have been set up on both sides of the road, you can use the drive-through facility and continue on your journey towards Abu Dhabi. You would need to present your Emirates ID and provide your mobile number. Once the prick test is done the result will be sent via SMS to your registered mobile phone number.
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