Punjab started Pooled procedure for the investigation of suspected Covid 19 patients: Soni

Punjab started Pooled procedure for the investigation of suspected Covid 19 patients : Soni

• The results of the Pooled method were encouraging
• Pooled method will increase test capacity by 3 to 4 percent

 Chandigarh, April 15

       A Pooled procedure has been launched for the investigation of suspected Covid 19 patients in the Viral Research Diagnostic Lab (VRDL) of the state of Punjab. Disclosing this here today Medical Education and Research Minister Punjab, OM Prakash Soni said that the results were very promising and no evidence of false results has been found during tests at Viral Research Diagnostic Labs (VRDL) of states.

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       Giving details regarding  the pooled testing he said that during this testing  algorithm involves the screening of pooled specimens of multiple patient specimens followed by individual testing or pool deconvolution only if the pool is positive and if the report of pooled semple  is negative then all the reports of persons involved in announced negative. He further said that Pooled testing detects viral RNA in samples very accurately and helps maximise existing resources. It can really save costs while enhancing the capacity enormously. From this expected jump in testing capacity will be about 3 to 4 times the existing capacity. Researchers from Germany and Israel have already validated this method and ICMR had issued the advisory in this regard on 13th April.  The labs in Punjab had immediately taken up this challenge and have delivered the results, thereby saving not only on costs but also on the test kits which are in limited supply the world over.

 The Medical Education Minister showered high words of praise for  the doctors and staff toiling day and night in the labs.  DK Tiwari Principal Secretary medical education and research department Punjab also present at this time.

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