PCR devices of univs moved to testing centres

Sambath.Kumar@timesgroup.com

12.04.2020

The number of samples being drawn for testing Covid-19 is up and the health department has moved PCR equipment from colleges and universities to its testing centres. It has also deputed microbiologists and lab technicians from several districts to these labs.

At least two RT-PCR equipment from Bharathidasan University became operational on Wednesday. Earlier, machines from TN agriculture university and Madurai Kamaraj University were taken to testing centres. The state has 26 labs including 16 in the government sector. “Each state lab has staff working in three shifts and can test 230 samples a day. Together with private lab, we have a testing capacity of 5,320 samples a day,” health minister C Vijayabaskar said.

While cities like Chennai have more than four government laboratories, many districts are forced to transport samples to neighbouring districts. The sample size in some labs is very high.

KAP Viswanathan Government Medical College in Trichy has roped in five lab technicians from other departments and a microbiologist who is a medical officer from neighbouring district, said S Dhanapal, head, microbiology department. “The government has given equipment but there was no communication on technicians and microbiologist. We made internal arrangements. We can also take help from academia if allowed.”

Some academicians are now pushing for the government to invite those involved in PCR-based process in molecular biology for testing, said M S Mohamed Jaabir, head of microbiology at National College Trichy. “It is purely a molecular biology technique which involves a lot of skill. It may harm the person involved in testing if not handled carefully.”

“This is an unprecedented situation. So far, there was no demand for this sort of skill sets for our paramedic team, but now the situation demands,” said S Senthil Kumar, botany department faculty who is into sub surface micro-organism research.

“Biotechnologists and microbiologists trained in handling molecular biology tools can be roped in. They can work together with medical colleges for training more people.”

Each state lab can test 230 samples a day. With private labs, we have a testing capacity of 5,320 samples a day

C Vijayabaskar,

STATE HEALTH MINISTER