IIT-D develops kit that tests Omicron in 90 minutes

By
Ziraat Times
-
Doctors are seen during a Covid-19 Coronavirus screening at a quarantine centre, in Nashik on September 13, 2020. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP)

Follow Ziraat Times on Whatsapp - Join Now

New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS) Researchers at IIT Delhi’s Kusuma School of Biological Sciences have developed an RT-PCR based assay for the specific detection of the Omicron (B.1.1.529.1) variant of SARS-CoV-2.

The assay is based on detecting specific mutations, which are present in the Omicron variant and absent in other currently circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2. Primer sets targeting these unique mutations in the S gene were designed for the specific amplification of either the Omicron variant or other currently circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 and tested using real time PCR. Using synthetic DNA fragments, the assays were optimised to distinguish the wild-type from the Omicron variant in a dynamic range from 107 to less than 100 copies per reaction.

Currently, the identification or screening for Omicron is done world-wide using next-generation sequencing based methods, which require over 3 days. By using this RT-PCR based assay, it will be possible to test for the presence of the Omicron variant within 90 minutes.

This can be used as a rapid screening assay for the identification and isolation of individuals with the Omicron variant. IIT Delhi has filed an Indian patent application for the same and is in the process of initiating talks with potential industry partners.

IIT Delhi had earlier obtained ICMR approval (first academic Institute in India to do so.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

373 COMMENTS

  171. top 10 pharmacies in india [url=https://usaindiapharm.com/#]п»їlegitimate online pharmacies india[/url] UsaIndiaPharm

  357. cialis 20 mg duration cialis copay card or what does cialis treat
    http://soccertraining.net/dap/product-error.php?msg=Possibly+the+best+areas+to+get+household+leather+couches+from+is+from+this+website.+There+products+range+between+leather+couches,+chesterfield+sofas+and+fabric+recliners+to+antique+sofas+and+in+addition+they+have+good+reveiws+to+indicate+for+their+own+reasons.&request=https://tadalaccess.com cialis 5mg best price
    price comparison tadalafil original cialis online and order generic cialis online tadalafil dapoxetine tablets india

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here