Abu Dhabi’s Covid-19 laser-testing at border made by-appointment only

Abu Dhabi has said all travellers who wish to get tested by the new Covid-19 laser-testing method at the border must pre-book their appointments online.

The appointments can be booked via this website: ghantoot.quantlase.com/appointment/update-details/

The booking website requires users to fill in their details including their Emirates ID, contact details and nationality.

The decision to convert the testing to by-appointment at the Ghantoot site on the border of Abu Dhabi was made after crowds began to assemble at the checkpoint to undergo the rapid testing, local media reported.

Due to high demand for the laser-based DPI screening to enter #AbuDhabi, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis & Disasters Committee approved a new process in which the service provider will only offer screening based on pre-booked appointments via the website: https://t.co/DWhcq3yVl0 pic.twitter.com/mvekfq5l3M

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) July 15, 2020

The directive issued by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee was communicated via a series of tweets by the Abu Dhabi Media Office late on Wednesday evening.

Earlier this week the emirate introduced a new laser-based DPI technique developed by the QuantLase Imaging Lab to rapidly screen travellers at the border for Covid-19.

The Dhs50 test can detect virus-caused inflammation in blood samples within seconds.

Those with a negative result can enter the emirate immediately. However, those with a positive result must undergo a nasal swab PCR test at the same location to confirm if they have the virus.

The authorities have confirmed that all those who have already undergone a PCR test, whether at the border or elsewhere, will be allowed to enter the emirate within 48 hours of receiving the negative result.

Read: Abu Dhabi introduces Covid-19 laser-testing at border to gain entry into emirate

QuantLase Imaging Lab is the medical-research department of Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange-listed International Holdings Company (IHC) and developed the new technique in May, after which it underwent trails before being pressed into service this week.

Read: UAE develops rapid coronavirus laser testing technology with results available in seconds