CDFD COVID-19 Lab Walkthrough
COVID-19 Testing At The Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics
The Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) is a premier research Institute, an autonomous organization under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. CDFD is located in Uppal, Hyderabad in the state of Telangana.
The institute provides DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics services, as well as basmati rice analysis. The center conducts research in various disciplines of life sciences and is equipped with world-class state-of-the-art instrumentation and computing infrastructure. The Centre is also recognized by the University of Hyderabad for pursuing a Ph.D. program in Life Sciences.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many research institutions in India are working hard to develop ways to combat COVID-19. Intensive testing for the infection plays a key role in combating the pandemic. CDFD has been one of the many testing centers approved by ICMR and DBT for COVID-19 testing in our country.
After receiving approval from ICMR and DBT, on 18th April 2020, the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) started testing of COVID-19 samples from Telangana State.
Ongoing Efforts at Dept of Biotechnology-Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and
Diagnostics (DBT-CDFD), Uppal, Hyderabad to combat the COVID-19 pandemic
- Testing Services Provided by DBT-CDFD:
Scientists at DBT-CDFD, Dr. Ashwin Dalal, Dr. Rashna Bhandari, Dr. Murali Dharan Bashyam, and Dr. Harinarayanan, are co-ordinating and supervising this effort along with the support from the CDFD staffs and students. To conduct RNA preparation and RT-PCR analysis of samples received from different regions of Telangana, volunteers were trained at CSIR-CCMB and Osmania Medical College Koti, Hyderabad.
CDFD geared up to initiate COVID-19 testing of samples received from notified Government Hospitals in the region following the Advisory issued by ICMR Department of Health Research on 26 April 2020, notifying that it has no objection to initiation of COVID-19 testing in laboratories operating under the Department of Biotechnology. CDFD trained the manpower, procured testing kits and personal protective equipment, and re-organized the infrastructure to create a designated COVID-19 testing laboratory. The Telangana state officials offered full cooperation and support in the form of supply of reagents/kits to initiate the testing activity at CDFD, documentation required, and training of staff.
As of 28th May 2020, DBT-CDFD has tested 987 COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swab samples. The Office of Director, Medical Education, Govt of Telangana along with CSIR-CCMB and ESIC have nominated DBT-CDFD as a center for pooling of samples from selected districts of Telangana with less than 2% prevalence of positive COVID-19 cases. The districts include Narayanpet, Warangal Rural, Mancheriyal, Mulugu, Yadadri, Siddipet, Peddapally, Mahabubabaad, Nagarkurnool, Rajanna Sircilla, Wanaparthy, and Janagaon.
- Genomic Studies
Efforts initiated by DBT-CDFD Towards COVID-19 Pandemic
A genomic study on the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has been proposed, and the study is being coordinated by the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), together with active participation from Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), and National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS). To sequence the SARS-CoV-2 genome from individuals testing positive for the infection, the CDFD has proposed a prospective study. Under this program, efforts related to the sequencing of viral genomes from different parts of the country have been initiated.
DBT-CDFD COVID-19 Laboratory details
- For testing samples received from the State of Telangana, one wing in the CDFD laboratory building has been converted into a COVID-19 diagnostics facility.
- The testing of COVID-19 samples involves trained manpower of approximately 40 volunteers including Ph.D. students and staff. The designated lab is working in three shifts, per shift has 8-10 volunteers.
- The lab is well equipped with RT-PCR machines, -70⁰C freezers, and Class II Type A2 biosafety cabinets.
- The lab is currently testing for the presence of both the E gene, which is present in all
coronaviruses, and the SARS-CoV-2-specific RdRP gene based on the kit made available by the state. - CDFD is also prepared to undertake pooled samples testing and has the capacity to test 150-200 individual samples per day.
After successfully setting up and running the COVID-19 testing lab at The Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), CDFD also plans to engage in COVID-19 research by sequencing the viral genome using the next-generation sequencing platform.
