LUCKNOW: With the inauguration of a ‘high throughput lab’ in the department of microbiology at the King George’s Medical University (KGMU) on Wednesday, its daily capacity of Covid-19 testing will now increase to15,000 daily from the existing 10,000.
The number of machines to test samples using RT-PCR method has been increased from four to seven and RNA extraction machines from one to four. These machines will help the department increase the number of daily tests by 50%.
Inaugurating the facility, principal secretary, medical education, Alok Kumar appreciated the efforts of the department of microbiology. KGMU vice-chancellor Lt Gen (retd) Dr Bipin Puri was also present on the occasion.
Head of the microbiology department Prof Amita Jain said 22 lakh RT-PCR tests had been conducted at the microbiology department which was the highest in the country. “Samples are sent here from across the state for testing. The department is also a part of the genome sequencing programme to identify the novel coronavirus variants,” she said.
“We are engaged in research along with training and released an advisory with ICMR on pooling of Covid-19 samples which economizes the turnaround time, reagent and manpower of RT-PCR testing. The advisory, released by ICMR, was adapted by RTPCR laboratories at national level too,” she said.
10 more Covid +ve, mucor claims a life
At least 10 more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection on Wednesday. While no death due to the disease was reported in the past 24 hours, as many as 11 patients recovered. The number of active cases have now dropped to 127. Meanwhile, black fungus infection claimed the life of a patient. A 55-year-old man under treatment in KGMU died due to the disease.
