PGI’s 30-min test to detect Covid

LUCKNOW: In a big breakthrough, the department of molecular medicine & biotechnology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) has developed the first rapid RNA-based test that can detect Covid -19 infection in just 30 minutes, the fastest investigation so far.

Doctors and faculty members of the institute said this technology would ease the pressure of conducting expensive tests because the accurate Covid test could be performed at just ₹150 .

After this development, a number of companies have expressed interest in marketing this technology throughout the world.

PGI director Radha Krishna Dheeman said,” The department has developed technology that can screen active Covid-19 infection at a much lower cost. The research team was led by Swasti Tiwari, who is also the head of the department.” He added, “It is a single-tube lab test which takes less than 30 minutes and has high specificity and sensitivity. The test does not require sophisticated instrumentation or any expertise for result interpretation.”

Dr Swasti Tewari, HoD, molecular medicine and biotechnology said, “Data related to test development and optimization has recently been communicated for publication in a scientific journal. The process of testing human samples using this technology is going on. The technology can be made available for commercialization through proper channel, and the institute hopes that the ICMR will soon give its approval for use in public. This point-ofcare test will have a direct impact on mass screening and will especially benefit people in screening/holding areas of various service centres such as hospitals and airports.” At present, most of the testing kits are being imported but if this kit is used, then India will not only be able to save its foreign currency but also earn it by selling this technology.