Coronavirus Omicron India: IIT Delhi develops RT-PCR test for omicron variant
IIT Delhi has filed for patent rights for the RT-PCR based assay for detecting Omicron variant of coronavirus
Candidates can get access to all the details about JEE Advanced including eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, sample papers, cutoff, counselling, seat allotment etc.
Download NowAbhiraj P | December 13, 2021 | 10:06 PM IST
NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi researchers have developed an RT-PCR test for detecting the corona variant Omicron (B.1.1.529.1). The researchers belong to the Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, (KSBS) IIT Delhi. This enables the identification of mutations present in the omicron variant, which are not found in other variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. IIT Delhi has filed for patent rights for the method.
Also read | IIT Delhi Placement 2021 witnesses over 45% increase in number of offers on day one
Presently, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is identified by using sequencing-based methods. It is a time-consuming process taking up to three days. The IIT Delhi RT-PCR based assay will be able to provide results within 90 minutes, said a statement issued by the institute.
Synthetic DNA fragments were used in the assays. It was further optimised to distinguish the wild-type from the omicron variant.
This will enable a rapid screening assay for identifying individuals infected with the omicron variants. IIT Delhi had previously received approval from the Indian Council of Medical Research for an RT-PCR kit developed for the diagnosis of coronavirus. It was later launched in the market.
The RT-PCR kit developed with a probe-free assay for the diagnosis of coronavirus by IIT Delhi was approved by ICMR. The detection assay produced by researchers at the KSBS was validated with a sensitivity and specificity of 100 per cent. With this, IITD became the first academic institute to get ICMR approval for a real-time PCR-based diagnostic assay. It proved useful for specific and affordable high throughput testing. As the assay does not require fluorescent probes, it could be easily scaled up.
The IIT Delhi has also signed an agreement with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for supporting the IAF’s indigenisation efforts in achieving self-reliance.
Follow us for the latest education news on colleges and universities, admission, courses, exams, research, education policies, study abroad and more..
To get in touch, write to us at news@careers360.com.
Featured News
]- CAT 2024: Older IIMs attract more students with work experience; engineers’ count falls
- Teachers Day Quiz: 10 questions to test your knowledge about India’s teachers, education
- NMC: Sodomy, lesbianism ‘sex offences’; 75% attendance in electives must for NExT exam
- Thousands of Delhi government school teachers put on election duty despite approaching exams
- USCIS updates policies for optional practical training, STEM OPT extension
- Why thousands of Indian students, graduates in Canada are protesting
- CBSE to overhaul internal assessment system, develop framework with British Council
- ‘I failed to get placed in the first session of IIT Delhi placements’
- Jain University VC: ‘We are among the pioneers in offering online degrees in post-Covid era’
- Rutgers University task force recommends including caste as protected category in non-discrimination policy