ICMR's new rapid tests set to be cheaper, give results in 30 mins

A soon-to-be-introduced and visually interpreted rapid Covid test - developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology and transferred to Chennai and Delhi-based companies for production - could cut down the cost and the turnaround time by almost 40%, ICMR-NIV officials said.

Umesh Isalkar
  • Updated On Dec 8, 2021 at 06:37 AM IST
Read by: 100 Industry Professionals
Reader Image Read by 100 Industry Professionals
PUNE: A soon-to-be-introduced and visually interpreted rapid Covid test - developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology and transferred to Chennai and Delhi-based companies for production - could cut down the cost and the turnaround time by almost 40%, ICMR-NIV officials said.

The test would be made available within two weeks at the airports in India and other places. The companies have been asked to scale up production amid Omicron concerns.

The molecular-based technology used in this rapid test kit neither requires expensive machines like RTPCT, high-speed centrifuges nor a skilled workforce to conduct the test. "The test, RT-LAMP, has 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. It takes only 30-40 minutes to churn out the result, which can be visually interpreted. Also, the test can be very easily deployed at the airports, docks, railway stations and other entry points for the screening of patients for Covid as it doesn't require sophisticated machinery and skilled workforce," said an ICMR official.

Advt
The RT-LAMP kit is validated by the National Institute of Biologicals, Noida. "It will be cheaper than rapid RTPCR," an ICMR official said. As against the current rapid PCR test which costs Rs 3,900 and takes an hour, the ICMR-NIV-developed test kit is likely to be costing not more than Rs 3,000.

  • Published On Dec 8, 2021 at 06:37 AM IST
Be the first one to comment.
Comment Now

Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals

Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis.

Download ETHealthworld App

  • Get Realtime updates
  • Save your favourite articles
Scan to download App