New logarithm for COVID-19 testing by DBT-InStem scientists
Scientists at the Department of Biotechnology’s Bengaluru-based Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine (DBT-InStem) is in the process of composing a logarithm – a new phase in the history of the COVID-19 sample testing in partnership with their colleagues in Tata Institute of Fundamental Research’s National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and IIT, Mumbai.
Random pooling of test samples is an important testing strategy for community monitoring and also broad coverage of specific value throughout epidemics. But, this strategy is pertinent just in areas with reduced levels of infection: ineffective when frequency rates are near or greater than 5% in a populace. Scientists are working in the direction of establishing smart pooling strategies that overcome this restriction.
Specific samples are pooled together with various combinations – in an approach known as combinatorial tapestry pooling. Therefore, each pool comprises a combination of different individual samples. No 2 pools are similar. This is made and achieved utilizing advanced computerized algorithms, which when developed, can be executed by individuals trained in sampling and running diagnostic RT-PCR based assays utilizing automated techniques.
The significant advantage of this effort is that depending on the combination
of pools in the matrix, it is even feasible to determine individual samples that are positive, thereby removing the need for second-round screening of individual samples in pools and hence offer quicker reporting.One such algorithm is developed by the theorists at NCBS and IIT Mumbai, which is presently being experimentally tested in the inStem’s lab. It includes matrices of boosting complexity and samples of recognized status. Two matrices have successfully tested. More remain in the pipeline.
At the same time, activity in the COVID-19 testing lab collectively run by DBT-InStem and NCBS at the Bangalore Life Science Campus continues without a break. Testing is primarily driven by volunteers drawn from students, staff, and the lab. The lab is processing 300-500 samples per day. The lab works seven days a week with volunteers managing fatigue as well as numerous other constraints as they aim to accomplish their commitment to the effort. They are, among other points, finding out how to strike a balance between the duty as well as their ownership of the testing effort with the tug of their study, as tasks carefully ramp up in campus’ labs. A remarkable story on this future generation of research study leaders, their motivation, and the impact of this experience in their lives, is in the making.
Author: Sruthi S
