CRISPR-based mobile RT-PCR testing lab has a capacity to test up to 3,300 tests per day and will be able to give results in just three to four hours. The testing van will be stationed at Modern College. People can avail the service at Rs 450.
TFM Report
In an effort to ramp up COVID testing using RT-PCR in Manipur, a mobile testing laboratory was launched on Friday.
The lab is being run in collaboration with Viswanath Cancer Care Foundation (VCCF), an affiliate of Karkinos Health Care Pvt Ltd. Tata Medical and Diagnostic (TaTaMD) is the technical partnership.
Based on CRISPR technology, the lab has a capacity to test up to 3,300 tests per day and will be able to give results in just three to four hours. The testing van will be stationed at Modern College. People can avail the service at Rs 450.
CRISPR is a technology that can be used to edit genes. The essence of CRISPR is simple: it’s a way of finding a specific bit of DNA inside a cell. After that, the next step in CRISPR gene editing is usually to alter that piece of DNA. However, CRISPR has also been adapted to do other things too, such as turning genes on or off without altering their sequence, according to New Scientist.
Advisor (Health) to the chief minister, Dr Ranjan launched the mobile testing lab in presence of Health director Dr K Rajo, State Mission director Dr Shyamjai, amongst others.
The mobile testing lab might be a game changer in terms of RT-PCR testing in the state. The state run laboratories take 12 to 48 hours to give results at present.
The state reported 522 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Friday with a positivity rate of 12.88 per cent.
Out of the 4,053 tests conducted, 1,142 tests were conducted using RT-PCR.
In the last 24 hours, the State Level Covid 19 Deaths Audit Committee has reported eight Covid-19 deaths, taking the death toll to 1,691.
On Friday, 678 persons were discharged, increasing the recovery rate to 92.20 per cent. The number of active cases stood at 6,671.