Covid-19: Punjab starts first genome sequencing facility at Patiala lab

To identify new variants of coronavirus, the Punjab Government has commenced its first state-run Covid-19 genome sequencing facility at the VRDL lab of Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab.

At least 150 samples have been tested in the lab so far and no new variant of coronavirus has been identified in Punjab.

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Giving details, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said earlier, the government would send all samples of suspected Covid patients to NCDS, Delhi, where it would take more than a month to provide confirmation of new coronavirus variants.

However, with the facility now being available at Government Medical College, Patiala, the reports are taking five to six days.

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Sidhu said the laboratory received MinION Mk1C developed by UK-based manufacturer- Oxford Nanopore. Genome sequencer and supportive equipment have been donated by a US-based non-profit organisation, PATH, as part of its ongoing Covid-19 response support to the state.

The lab has been recognised among top five in RT-PCR testing capacity by the ICMR across India.

-PTC News