Health Authorities advice blood tests be taken immediately where there are signs of flu

The Sri Lanka Medical laboratory Technicians Association has stated that it hqas been observed that the nature with which platelets counts decrease in patients that have contracts dengue has changes with the apparent evolving of the virus. President of the Association Ravi Kumudesh has said that it s therefore necessary that blood tests for dengue, should be conducted soon after the onset of flu symptoms. Meanwhile Private hospitals and laboratories have reduced the fee involved in getting the blood test done. This action has been taken under the Private Hospital Regulation Ordinance. Accordingly, the ministry of Health states that patients can be charged a maximum of 250 rupees for a general blood test and one thousand rupees for a bllod test specific for the detection of dengue.