LUCKNOW, Sept. 2 -- Four new cases of Influenza A (H1N1) were detected in Lucknow on Tuesday, prompting the health department to step up monitoring even as the district administration fixed a maximum rate of Rs.3,000 for real-time RT-PCR testing for the infection at private hospitals and pathology laboratories. A meeting to finalise the testing rate was held through videoconferencing on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Dr NB Singh, chief medical officer, Lucknow. Representatives of several prominent private hospitals and diagnostic laboratories participated in the meeting, a release issued by the health department read. It was noted at the meeting that the test is available at SGPGI, Lucknow, for Rs.2,400. After deliberations, representatives unanimously agreed to fix Rs.3,000 as the maximum rate for the test at private hospitals and pathology laboratories in the district, it read. The move comes amid the ongoing rise in H1N1 infections in the district and concerns that high testing costs could discourage patients with influenza-like symptoms from getting tested. Health officials said the rate cap was aimed at ensuring that testing remains accessible to patients and does not impose an undue financial burden, it read. The CMO appealed to residents not to panic, advising people experiencing fever, cold, cough or other influenza-like symptoms to consult a doctor. Patients should undergo testing and treatment whenever advised by medical professionals, the release quoted him as saying. Dr Singh also cautioned people against self-medication and seeking treatment from untrained persons, stressing the importance of timely medical consultation and appropriate testing. For any emergency or assistance related to H1N1, residents can contact the CMO office helpline at 0522-2622080....