ICMR approves RT-qPCR kit to detect influenza, SARS-CoV-2

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) approved test kit developed by Chennai-based KRIYA Medical technologies which can detect influenza H1N1, H3N2, Yamagata and Victoria sublineages, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), IANS has reported.
The RT-qPCR test kit effectively distinguishes influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus, within the shortest turnaround time, the company said as quoted by IANS. The kit has a cycle time of 27 minutes and the time around 50-60 minutes for the results to be read which can enable an immediate line of treatment.
Highlighting its benefits further, the company said the kit can be used in all the available RT-PCR equipment.
The three pathogens have similar initial symptoms but differs in how the illness progresses, how easily they spread, and how they are treated. The company has claimed that the kit helps in identifying which pathogen is causing the respiratory illness and helps in choosing the appropriate course of treatment, IANS reported.