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Dimapur, April 19 (EMN): Medical team on Covid-19 from Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Dimapur, recently underwent hands-on training on real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) organised by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema.
According to the norm of ICMR, the laboratory personnel have to undergo a mandatory training at the designated Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory of ICMR before a particular laboratory is approved as Covid-19 testing centre. As Nagaland has decided to set up two high-end state-of-the-art bio-safety level facilities at Naga Hospital, Kohima and CIHSR, Dimapur, Dr. Sedevi, Director of CIHSR, had advocated the need for medical team of CIHSR to undergo hands-on training on real time PCR before the BSL facility is ready.
A press release from ICAR-NRC on Mithun stated that its director Dr. Abhijit Mitra readily agreed to offer its support and expertise to CIHSR to use the technique.
It explained that real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real time RT-PCR) is one of the most accurate laboratory methods for detecting, tracking, and studying the coronavirus that causes the Covid-19 disease. In contrast to the conventional RT-PCR which provides results at the end, real time RT-PCR allows to see the results almost immediately while the process is still on.
It went on to explained that in a PCR machine, only DNA could be copied or amplified. However, some viruses such as the coronavirus (SARS-Cov2) only contain RNA as genetic material. For detection of an RNA virus like the coronavirus using real time RT-PCR, one needs to convert the RNA to DNA using a process called ‘reverse transcription.’ Then, a specific part of the transcribed viral DNA is amplified hundreds of thousands of times enabling the detection of even a very small number of the target virus with high precision.
While the method of real time RT-PCR is now the most widely used method for detecting coronaviruses, technical skill and support are required in setting up and using the technique, the release stated.
The hands-on training was organised on the real time PCR and its uses in the detection of nucleic acids. The basic theoretical aspects of real-time PCR including the mechanism and chemistry of detection was explained followed by demonstration for setting up of reaction and running of the machine. The participants were made to handle the mock samples (non-infectious) by themselves.
It stated that emphasis was given on the importance of good laboratory practices (GLP) for minimisation of risk in handling an infectious sample in the laboratory. Besides, analysis of the result and troubleshooting of different types of problem in the data were highlighted. The different chemistry of detection in real time PCR was also demonstrated along with validation of the results.
It added that the trainees were taught about sample handling, isolation of RNA, cDNA synthesis as well as quality checking of nucleic acids, and the importance of sample quality in the downstream analysis.
A medical team of CIHSR led by Dr. Nito Yepthomi attended the training which was co-ordinated by Dr. H Lalzampuia and Dr. Sosang Longkumer of Mithun Institute, the release added.