Mangaluru's A J Institute gets ICMR nod for Covid-19 testing

The state-of-the-art PCR and Virology Laboratory at A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (AJIMS & RC) has obtained the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) approval for testing SARS-CoV-2 virus using Real Time RT-PCR method.

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Recently, it was assessed and accredited by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) for its facilities for medical testing. Covid-19, RT-PCR testing will be done as per the existing government guidelines. A dedicated kiosk for sample collection has also been set up at the hospital.

PCR and Virology Laboratory of AJIMS and RC is well equipped with advanced Real Time RT-PCR machine, fully-automated nucleic acid extractor, bio-safety cabinets, centrifuge and others. The staff and technicians from the Department of Microbiology have undergone training in molecular testing at NIMHANS, Bengaluru.

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The hospital in the wake of the pandemic has set-up dedicated isolation wards for treating suspected and positive Covid-19 patients and is equipped with adequate infrastructure and manpower, said Dean, A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre.

With this, the district will have six Covid-19 sample testing laboratories.