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CCMB claims for cheaper and more effective RT-PCR method to test COVID-19 samples
Why is it in News?
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) suggested RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction) test for COVID-19
More on News
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is located in Hyderabad
- RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction) test is based on dry swabs
- This bypasses RNA isolation stage => less time consumption and less expensive
- Usual method of testing
(1) Nasal swab taken and place in viral transport medium (VTM).
(2) Viral RNA extracted from part of liquid of viral transport medium (VTM) => consumes more time and expensive
(3) Then RT-PCR test carried out
- Procedure for RT-PCR with dry slabs
(1) Virus in dry swabs can stay for several days at 4 degree [ice temperature => Dry Swab immersed into vial containing Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer solution, protected by ice (Not in VTM)
(2) Small part of the dry swab-TE extract was taken in a new vial and heated to 98 degree C=> destroys the protective wall of the virus particles => releasing its RNA means RNA isolation
(3) Heating at 98 degree Celsius => virus inactivation
(4) RNA isolation followed by RT-PCR