CSIR-CFTRI to provide testing facilities for COVID-19

INN/New Delhi, @Infodeaofficial

The number of positive cases has increased to 28 in Mysore and seven cases have been reported within 24 hours. This figure is according to the latest media bulletin released by the Karnataka Health Department. Mysuru-based Scientific and Industrial Research- Central Food Technology Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI) has joined hands with the district administration by providing them the necessary equipment for testing the samples.

At the present time, the COVID-19  is detected through a very sophisticated and topical technique called the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) method. This PCR method involves extracting the RNA of the virus from the samples and amplifying it using a PCR machine. An obvious advantage of this PCR test is that it can detect the virus in a person at a very early stage, that is when symptoms occur.

Mysore district has been identified as one of the four hot spot districts where a large number of suspected infections have been found. The presence of the virus in the suspect’s body is required before and after quarantining them, whether or not they show signs of the disease. The district administration is being provided with two PCR machines and an RNA extraction unit with the necessary chemicals by CSIR-CFTRI to conduct a large number of test samples in the district.

Dr. KSMS Raghavrao, Director, CSIR-CFTRI stated that “Accurate and accurate testing time is required. Since the test is very sophisticated and it is being carried out in select centers approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), we are supporting it by increasing capacity. ” He said that along with the equipment, two skilled technicians would also be provided for the time required by the district administration.

These PCR machines were handed over on 5 April 2020. The equipment was procured by Dr. Amarutha Kumari, Nodal Officer, Virus Research and Diagnostics Laboratory (VRDL) and in charge, Kovid Test Laboratory, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysuru. He said that this would help the Center to triple the number of tests being conducted every day. The RNA extraction unit will arrive there in a week.