CSIR-CFTRI to supply testing devices for detecting COVID-19
The COVID-19 positive cases have touched 28 in Mysuru and 7 cases have been reported within a period of 24 hours according to the Karnataka Health Department said in the latest media bulletin. CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI) is providing devices required for testing samples with the collaboration of district administration.
Presently COVID-19 infection is detected by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technique, which is a really sophisticated and accurate technique. In this method, the viral RNA is extracted from samples and amplified a PCR device. The main advantage of using a PCR test is that it can detect the virus in an individual at extremely early stage-even signs and symptoms are showed up.
Mysore is one of the 4 hot spot districts with a large number of suspected cases. The suspected persons who are quarantined have to undergo testing for COVID-19 before as well as after the quarantine period even if they don’t show any symptoms.
The testing devices including two PCR devices and one RNA extraction device with the required chemicals are being supplied by CSIR-CFTRI to the district administration for enduring with the huge number of samples to
be tested.Dr. KSMS Raghavarao, Director, CSIR-CFTRI, said “Accurate and precise testing is the demand of the hour. AS the test is really sophisticated and is being performed in only a few selected centers approved for testing by the ICMR, we are supporting by adding the capability for testing the samples.” “Together with the devices, 2 skilled specialists will also be provided for a duration required by the District Administration.
On 5th April 2020, the PCR machines were handed over to Dr. Amrutha Kumari, Nodal Officer, Virus Research and Diagnostics Laboratory (VRDL) and In-Charge of COVID Test Lab, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysuru. Dr. Amrutha Kumari said, “This would certainly help the center to triple the number of tests done each day”. The RNA extraction device will be given within a week.
Author: Sruthi S
