On May 14, 2020, the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan dedicated the COBAS 6800 RT PCR machine to the nation.
Highlights
- The machine is completely automated and performs high end RT-PCR tests.
- The machine will help to increase the testing capacity of the country.
- It has been placed at National Centre for Disease Control, Delhi.
- The machine can also detect pathogens such as Hepatitis, Chlamydia, HIV, Papiloma, MTb, Chlamydia, CMV, Neisseria, etc.
- The machine will provide high volume tests. It is capable of providing test results of 1,200 samples in 24 hours.
- Thus, the machine will help in increasing the testing capacity of the country.
- The machine is enabled with robotics.
- It will help minimize contamination as it involves very little human intervention.
- It is the first machine in India that is completely automatic.
Why is it placed in NCDC?
- The machine has been placed in NCDC as it requires Basic Safety Level 2 testing facilities. There are 4 Bio-Safety levels that are followed in the country
- The Biosafety level 2 are enforced in those laboratories that work with agents that are associated with human disease.
- These laboratories should have appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), gloves, sink, eye wash.
- Bio hazard warning signs, self-lockable doors, etc.
Background
- The machine was developed by Roche Diagnostics.
- The main objective of developing the machine is to increase testing capacity of India.
- So far India is using the rapid antibody test kits only for surveillance.
- RT-PCR tests are being used to confirm COVID-19 infection as it is more accurate.
- However, RT-PCR takes minimum of 5 to 6 hours to produce results.
- Therefore, it becomes important to bring more such machines in the country to increase testing capacity of India.
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