Ambala test lab trial cleared, time for ICMR nod

AMBALA: After installation of RT-PCR (real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction), Truenat and CBNAAT (cartridge based nucleic acid amplification test) machines for virology and Covid-19 testing, Ambala health department successfully conducted trial of the lab at the Sector 10 poly clinic in Ambala City on Friday. The department has applied for ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) permission to conduct virology tests here, said Ambala chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Kuldeep Singh.
“We have completed the trial of virology testing at the newly-established lab in Ambala and samples have been tested here by our microbiologists. We applied for ICMR for permission on Friday. Our microbiologists would have to undergo two-day training for RT-PCR testing from PGIMER, Chandigarh. We are sending our officials on training and hope to receive ICMR permission by Tuesday,” he said.
On the need for a lab in Ambala, Dr Kuldeep said, “All medical officers want this lab to be operational at the earliest, so that we can strengthen the fight against Covid-19. We have managed to establish a lab in a period of just one week.”
After receipt of ICMR permission, he said, officials planned to get Haryana state home and health minister Anil Vij to inaugurate the lab. He said due to the minister’s efforts, they did not take much time to establish the lab in Ambala.