Learn bits
Science & Tech.
Pradeep Kumar

19/05/21 10:30 AM IST

New multiplex RT-PCR kit

In news

DST institute develops new multiplex RT-PCR kit with novel gene targets to facilitate detection across various mutant strains of COVID 19.

Technology used
  • The new kit is based on multiplex Taqman chemistry, amplifying all three genes in a single reaction
  • The amplification time for the assay is 45 minutes, apart from the time required for the RNA isolation from nasopharyngeal swab samples.
  • Multiplexing two confirmatory genes will help shortlist possible new variants if one of the genes fails to amplify and can be marked for sequence analysis.
  • ICMR has validated this kit at the National Institute of Virology, Pune, and found that it has 97.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity in covid19 detection.
  • SCTIMST has signed a non-exclusive license MoU with Huwel Lifesciences, Hyderabad, on 14th May 2021 to commercialize the kit.
Significance
  • This unique RT-PCR kit will be a significant weapon in fight against COVID-19 by a facile detection of SARS-CoV-2 mutations.
Source: PIB

More Related Current Affairs View All

03 Jan

State of Forest Report 2023

'The State of Forest Report (SFR) 2023 was released by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav at the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, on December 21, 2024.' The SFR is

Read More

31 Dec

ISRO launches SpaDeX mission for space docking

'The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission recently.' The PSLV C60 rocket carrying two small satellites,

Read More

26 Dec

Australia’s Online Safety Amendment

'Australia’s House of Representatives recently passed the “Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill, 2024” which imposes obligation on certain soci

Read More

India’s First Ai-Driven Magazine Generator

Generate Your Custom Current Affairs Magazine using our AI in just 3 steps