RT-PCR test kit for monkeypox launched in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: India’s first indigenously-developed RT-PCR kit for testing monkeypox was launched at the Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone (AMTZ) here on Friday. Developed by Transasia Bio-Medicals, the kit was unveiled by Principal Scientific Adviser to the Centre Ajay Kumar Sood. The Transasia-Erba monkeypox RT-PCR kit is highly sensitive, but an easy-to-use test with a uniquely formulated […]

Visakhapatnam: India’s first indigenously-developed RT-PCR kit for testing monkeypox was launched at the Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone (AMTZ) here on Friday.

Developed by Transasia Bio-Medicals, the kit was unveiled by Principal Scientific Adviser to the Centre Ajay Kumar Sood.

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The Transasia-Erba monkeypox RT-PCR kit is highly sensitive, but an easy-to-use test with a uniquely formulated primer and probe for enhanced accuracy, according to founder-chairman of Transasia Suresh Vazirani. The kit would help in early detection and better management of the infection which the WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern, he said.

Scientific Secretary Arabinda Mitra, former Director General of ICMR Balram Bhargava, adviser in the Department of Biotechnology Alka Sharma and others were present at the launch event.