Science and Tech

CSIR-IGIB and FIND plan to set up micro labs for genomic sequencing
·         With the aim of taking genome sequencing to hard-to-reach locations and reducing the time to induce results from these tests, CSIRInstitute of genomics and Integrated Biology has partnered with notice, a world alliance for diagnostics.
·         The idea is to decentralise genomic sequencing of SARSCoV-2 through micro labs placed nearer to wherever the RT-PCR testing takes place.
·         At present, examination samples are sent to centralised labs at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s IGIB or others be part of to INSACOG – the Indian SARSCoV-2 genomics consortium – wherever theyre run on high-throughput machines that need adequate samples to be run.
·         The micro laboratory are housed during a redesigned shipping container and therefore the genome sequencing involves the additional nimble Oxford Nanopore technology.
·         FIND can support and finance this initiative, for may be a year.
·         The world alliance may be a co-convener of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator – nosology pillar, and a World Health Organization collaborating centre for laboratory strengthening and diagnostic technology evaluation this may advance a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model of genomic surveillance comprising each MegaLabs (high-throughput sequencing) and MicroLabs (high-priority sequencing).