COVID-19 testing lab has been set up at Microbiology Department of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College here. With start of this facility, 22 samples were tested for COVID-19 on the very first day at virology lab of microbiology department of Medical College.
Head of Department of Microbiology Department Dr Arvind Neral said that this COVID-19 lab was developed within four to five days in accordance with ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) guidelines and all technical protocol considering the COVID-19 crisis in Chhattisgarh state.
This testing lab, recognised by ICMR, has been equipped with RT-PCR-Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Machine, three Bio safety cabinets (BSC), three Laminar air flow cabinets, dry bath incubator two refrigerators of -80 degree Centigrade and -20 degree Centigrade and other machines for COVID-19 testing. This is the BSL 2 lab approved by ICMR which can be used for treatment of other viral diseases in future also.
Dr Neral said that it had been made compulsory to wear personal safety (PPE) kits during COVID 19 sample testing by following universal protocol so as to prevent infection. In addition to this, those carrying out sample testing would not be allowed to go back homes till completion of the test. After testing they will have to go for 14-day quarantine, he said.
Meanwhile a 16-member team has been formed for testing of COVID-19. The team comprises microbiologists, scientists, lab technicians and lab assistants. Corona sample testing would be conducted in two shifts. Corona samples of Raipur, Bilaspur and Sarguja divisions can be tested in this lab. The testing will be done at free of cost.
