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Sree Chitra Institute develops multiplex RT-PCR kit that can detect new strains of Wuhan virus
18 May 2021
A new multiplex RT-PCR kit developed by Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), an institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has a higher accuracy of detecting Wuhan virus or the new coronavirus across its various mutant strains now spreading the pandemic.
As the pandemic is going through a second wave with multiple variants, the selection of target genes in multiplex RT-PCR assay is becoming critical for accurate detection of the virus.
“This unique RT-PCR kit will be a significant weapon in our fight against Covid-19 by a facile detection of SARS-CoV-2 mutations,” secretary, DST, Ashutosh Sharma, said.
Sowmya Swaminathan feels the current pandemic has highlighted need for better communication
Nations need to have science-based leadership and policy, follow evidence-based guidelines, and be able to review new evidence as it emerges and be adaptable to have a grip on a pandemic as dynamic as COVID-19, chief scientist, WHO, Soumya Swaminathan, has said.
This was one of the reasons, despite having so many tools of science and technology, nations were not able to bring the pandemic under control, Dr. Swaminathan said, while delivering the convocation address at the 37th annual convocation of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), here on Saturday.
A new RT-PCR kit with a novel gene has been established by an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Detecting Covid 19 through different mutant strains is easier with this package.
ANI | Updated: May 20, 2021 19:38 IST
By Sahil Pandey
New Delhi [India], May 20 (ANI): The Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) in Kerala, an institute under the Department of Science and Technology has developed a multiplex RT-PCR kit, where the validation shows the kit has 97.3 per cent sensitivity and 100 per cent specificity in the Covid-19 detection.
This means it is unlikely to show any false positives and has only a 2.7 per cent chance of showing a false negative.
The Indian Council of Medical Research has validated the kit at the National Institute of Virology in Pune, and found it satisfactory.