PUNE: The country has now been split into six regions for a huge molecular hunt for the new
UK variant of the coronavirus. The search includes 10 labs located across the country — all capable of genome sequencing.
The hunt has also been expanded to include everyone — not just returnees from foreign countries.
The 10 labs will sequence positive samples that have had a cycle threshold (CT) value of 30 or less. The CT value is the number of cycles an RT-PCR device has had to run to amplify viral RNA — for it to reach detectable levels. A CT value of 30 or less indicates high viral load in the infected person’s throat/nasal swab samples.
The central surveillance unit has been asked to ensure adequate representation of such samples — particularly from large cities.
“If the UK variant, or any other serious mutation, is detected in a sample, it will be sent to either one of the two notified
Covid Virus Repositories (CVR) at RCB Faridabad or NIV Pune for further culturing,” said a senior official from the Indian Council of Medical Research.
But data from the labs will also be used to track Covid trends. “This data will help us understand super-spreader events and outbreaks,” said another official.
Raman Gangakhedkar, former head of ICMR’s epidemiology and communicable diseases division, explained why the focus is on high viral loads.
He said, “Samples will need a high viral load because they will be analysed again during genome sequencing. Some portion (viral particles) will get used up during the first test with the RT-PCR machines.”