Patna: Genome sequencing lab ready at IGIMS

PATNA: The first genome sequencing lab (GSL) of the state is now ready at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) here. The lab will help identify genetic mutations occurred in any microorganism, including virus.
IGIMS medical superintendent Dr Manish Mandal said the lab with sophisticated instruments has been set up with funds provided by the Centre.
“All appliances have been installed and tests and trials have started at the lab under the supervision of experts from the National Institute of Virology, Pune and CSIR, New Delhi as part of the standardisation process required for giving approval by the government of India for becoming functional,” he said.
The genome sequencing technique assumed greater role in public health in the wake of Covid virus mutating and changing its nature, thereby becoming more dangerous to human life.
Recently, the state government had sent some Covid samples to the Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, for confirmation on the new variant of Covid virus, called Delta Plus.
Dr Mandal said once the lab becomes operational, all suspected samples from the state would be tested at faster pace at the IGIMS.