RUCHITA KARMAKAR, AMITY UNIVERSITY KOLKATA
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) agreed a dry swab-direct RT-PCR testing method for the COVID-19 virus which is presently developed by CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).
This new method of dry swab-direct test aimed at ascending the test by atleast two to three folds with no new investment of resources. Coronavirus testing was conducted by CSIR-CCMB since April 2020. After working with the workers of Telangana, the researchers recognised that the testing process is quite slow. To come up with verified results at a faster rate, they issued this dry swab RNA-extraction free testing method for the Novel Coronavirus.
This new method of testing readily involves collecting and transporting the nasal swab in its dry state thus making it easier for transportation and handling. In this method the step of RNA isolation is deleted from the sample. The dry swab RT-PCR method is basically cost effective and easy to apply with null demand of new kits and the existing, manpower can execute this with no extra training. It also holds a meritorious position for every possible setting and has the potential of bringing down the cost and time of testing by 40-50%.
Thus, the Dry Swab Direct RT-PCR method has been issued in peer reviewed journal by CSIR-CCMB and also by the other scientific groups and in other journals across the world.
Also read: ENGINEERED ONCOLYTIC ADENOVIRUS TO TREAT METASTATIC CANCER
One thought on “DRY SWAB-DIRECT RT-PCR TO RAMP UP TEST FREQUENCY”