CGHS Rates for Infectious Disease Serology & PCR Laboratory Tests

This page provides a detailed guide to Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates for a variety of laboratory tests used to diagnose infectious diseases. These tests primarily fall into two categories: serology and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Serology tests examine blood serum for the presence of antibodies or antigens, which can indicate a current or past infection. PCR tests are highly sensitive molecular tests that detect the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of a specific pathogen, confirming an active infection.

The procedures covered include diagnostic tests for a wide range of viral and bacterial infections, such as Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and the TORCH panel, which is significant during pregnancy. The list also includes tests for Herpes, Chlamydia, Brucella, and other specific pathogens.

The rates for these investigations are set by CGHS and are not negotiable. As you will see in the rate table, the cost for a particular test depends on the accreditation of the hospital or diagnostic centre. Facilities with NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) or NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accreditation have a different rate structure compared to non-accredited facilities. This guide is intended to help beneficiaries understand the process and coverage for these essential diagnostic services.

CGHS Infectious Disease Serology & PCR Test Rates (effective 13 October 2025)

• Hydatid Serology, Non-NABH — Rs 697
• Hydatid Serology, NABH — Rs 820
• Anti Sperm Antibodies, Non-NABH — Rs 765
• Anti Sperm Antibodies, NABH — Rs 900
• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA Qualitative, Non-NABH — Rs 2,125
• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA Qualitative, NABH — Rs 2,500
• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA Quantitative, Non-NABH — Rs 2,975
• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA Quantitative, NABH — Rs 3,500
• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA Qualitative, Non-NABH — Rs 2,550
• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA Qualitative, NABH — Rs 3,000
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) Serology, Non-NABH — Rs 1,360
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) Serology, NABH — Rs 1,600
• Rota Virus serology, Non-NABH — Rs 340
• Rota Virus serology, NABH — Rs 400
• PCR for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Non-NABH — Rs 1,530
• PCR for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), NABH — Rs 1,800
• Chlamydia antigen, Non-NABH — Rs 850
• Chlamydia antigen, NABH — Rs 1,000
• Chlamydia antibody, Non-NABH — Rs 723
• Chlamydia antibody, NABH — Rs 850
• Brucella serology, Non-NABH — Rs 383
• Brucella serology, NABH — Rs 450
• Influenza A serology, Non-NABH — Rs 850
• Influenza A serology, NABH — Rs 1,000
• PCR for Herpes simplex, Non-NABH — Rs 1,190
• PCR for Herpes simplex, NABH — Rs 1,400
• Anti measles antibody titre (with serum antibody titre), Non-NABH — Rs 1,020
• Anti measles antibody titre (with serum antibody titre), NABH — Rs 1,200
• Viral culture, Non-NABH — Rs 510
• Viral culture, NABH — Rs 600
• Antibody titre (Herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, flavivirus, zoster varicella virus), Non-NABH — Rs 1,785
• Antibody titre (Herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, flavivirus, zoster varicella virus), NABH — Rs 2,100
• Cryptococcal antigen, Non-NABH — Rs 1,275
• Cryptococcal antigen, NABH — Rs 1,500
• H pylori serology for Coeliac disease /Celiac disease, Non-NABH — Rs 1,020
• H pylori serology for Coeliac disease /Celiac disease, NABH — Rs 1,200
• HBV genotyping, Non-NABH — Rs 2,444
• HBV genotyping, NABH — Rs 2,875
• HCV genotyping, Non-NABH — Rs 4,765
• HCV genotyping, NABH — Rs 5,606
• HCV RNA Quantitative, Non-NABH — Rs 1,568
• HCV RNA Quantitative, NABH — Rs 1,845
• HLA B27 (PCR), Non-NABH — Rs 489
• HLA B27 (PCR), NABH — Rs 575
• TORCH Test, Non-NABH — Rs 1,095
• TORCH Test, NABH — Rs 1,288
• HBsAg Quantitative, Non-NABH — Rs 553
• HBsAg Quantitative, NABH — Rs 650
• Hepatitis B Core Antibody (HBcAb) Level (Hepatitis B Core IgM Antibody), Non-NABH — Rs 408
• Hepatitis B Core Antibody (HBcAb) Level (Hepatitis B Core IgM Antibody), NABH — Rs 480
• CMV Quantitative (Viral load) Test, Non-NABH — Rs 1,955
• CMV Quantitative (Viral load) Test, NABH — Rs 2,300
• HBeAb (Hepatitis B envelope Antibody), Non-NABH — Rs 306
• HBeAb (Hepatitis B envelope Antibody), NABH — Rs 360
• HBeAg (Hepatitis B envelope Antigen), Non-NABH — Rs 306
• HBeAg (Hepatitis B envelope Antigen), NABH — Rs 360
• HIAA 24 Hours Urinary, Non-NABH — Rs 1,955
• HIAA 24 Hours Urinary, NABH — Rs 2,300
• HIV Viral Load by PCR, Non-NABH — Rs 4,250
• HIV Viral Load by PCR, NABH — Rs 5,000
• HSV 1 & 2 IgG, Non-NABH — Rs 697
• HSV 1 & 2 IgG, NABH — Rs 820
• Hypersensitive Pneumonitis Panel, Non-NABH — Rs 6,120
• Hypersensitive Pneumonitis Panel, NABH — Rs 7,200
• Galactomannan, Non-NABH — Rs 2,644
• Galactomannan, NABH — Rs 3,110
• Stool for Clostridium difficile Toxin, Non-NABH — Rs 2,414
• Stool for Clostridium difficile Toxin, NABH — Rs 2,840
• TPHA, Non-NABH — Rs 340
• TPHA, NABH — Rs 400

Rates shown are as per the CGHS approved package rates (Office Memorandum F.No.5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024(PartI) dated 03.10.2025, effective 2025-10-13) (2025 (effective 13.10.2025)) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

Who this covers

This rate guide is intended for all CGHS beneficiaries (both serving and retired) who have been advised by a medical specialist to undergo specific serology or PCR tests for the diagnosis or monitoring of an infectious disease. A valid prescription from a government or CGHS-empanelled doctor is necessary to avail these tests at CGHS rates.

The list of procedures is extensive and covers investigations for various health concerns. This includes:

• Viral infections such as Hepatitis B and C (qualitative, quantitative, and genotyping), HIV (PCR and viral load), HPV, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and Cytomegalovirus (CMV).

• Bacterial infections like Chlamydia and Brucellosis.

• Screening panels like the TORCH test, which is important for expectant mothers.

• Specialized tests such as HLA B27 by PCR, Hydatid Serology, and tests for Cryptococcal antigen.

Essentially, any beneficiary requiring one of the listed diagnostic tests for a clinical reason is covered by these rates.

What CGHS covers vs. what you pay separately

The CGHS package rates listed on this page are for the laboratory investigation itself. This cost is typically all-inclusive, covering sample collection (e.g., blood draw), processing of the sample, performing the test using appropriate reagents and equipment, and the generation of the final report.

The consultation fee for the doctor who recommended the test is a separate component and is covered under CGHS norms for outpatient or inpatient consultations. The rates listed here are strictly for the diagnostic procedure.

For laboratory tests, unlike surgical procedures, there are generally no additional costs for 'consumables' or 'drugs' that need to be paid separately by the patient. The listed rate is for the complete test. However, it is always a prudent step to confirm at the hospital or lab's billing counter that the listed CGHS rate is the final amount payable for the test before proceeding.

How to use this at a CGHS-empanelled hospital

To avail these diagnostic tests under CGHS, beneficiaries should follow a straightforward process:

1. Obtain a clear and valid referral or prescription from a specialist at a government hospital or a CGHS-empanelled facility. The prescription must specify the exact test(s) required.

2. Take this prescription along with your CGHS card to a CGHS-empanelled hospital or diagnostic laboratory that has the capability to perform the required test.

3. At the facility's reception or billing desk, present your documents. The staff will verify your eligibility and the prescribed test against the CGHS list.

4. It is important to confirm the exact procedure code and the corresponding rate with the billing staff before the sample is collected. This ensures transparency and avoids any billing confusion later.

5. Be aware that the applicable rate (NABH/NABL vs. non-NABH/NABL) is determined by the accreditation status of the laboratory you visit, not by your choice. The final bill will reflect the rate corresponding to the facility's official accreditation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a serology test and a PCR test?

A serology test detects antibodies or antigens in your blood. Antibodies are proteins your immune system creates in response to an infection. This can show if you have a current or had a past infection. A PCR test, on the other hand, detects the specific genetic material (DNA or RNA) of the virus or bacteria itself, which is highly accurate for diagnosing a current, active infection.

Do I need a doctor's prescription to get these tests done under CGHS?

Yes, a valid prescription or referral from a government doctor or a specialist at a CGHS-empanelled facility is mandatory to avail these tests at CGHS rates. The scheme does not cover tests that are self-referred.

What is the TORCH test panel used for?

The TORCH test is a screening panel of blood tests typically recommended for pregnant women. It checks for a group of infections that can be passed to the fetus and cause congenital disorders. TORCH stands for Toxoplasmosis, Other (like syphilis, varicella-zoster), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Are the CGHS rates for these lab tests the same at all empanelled centres?

No. The rates vary based on the accreditation of the facility. CGHS has a different, typically higher, rate structure for hospitals and laboratories that are NABH/NABL accredited compared to those that are not. The final cost depends on the accreditation status of the centre you visit.

What is a viral load test for HIV or Hepatitis C?

A viral load test is a quantitative PCR test that measures the actual amount of a virus's genetic material (e.g., HIV RNA or HCV RNA) in a blood sample. It is a critical test used to monitor the progression of the disease and to see how well antiviral treatment is working.

Does CGHS cover advanced molecular tests like Hepatitis genotyping or HLA B27 by PCR?

Yes, the CGHS approved list includes rates for several advanced molecular tests. As per the official list, procedures like HBV genotyping, HCV genotyping, and HLA B27 by PCR are covered, provided they are prescribed by a relevant specialist for a valid clinical indication.

Related

• How to apply for a CGHS card
• CGHS rate list for common procedures
• CGHS vs Ayushman Bharat: what's the difference

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.