Amritsar: Centre authorises Medical College lab to conduct tests for monkeypox
Amritsar, July 27: Amid the threat of Monkeypox spread, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has authorised the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at Government Medical College (GMC), Amritsar, to conduct tests for the detection of the virus.
However, according to sources, the lab will not be able to start testing immediately as the reagents required for the same are not available. Required items have been ordered by authorities, sources said.
A reagent is a compound or combination given to a system to start or test a chemical reaction.
Dr K D Singh, the medical superintendent (MS) at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, confirmed that the ICMR had authorised the VDRL at GMC to do the test.
He further that they had the equipment to detect the virus and had placed orders for some of its components, including reagents used for detecting the virus. The equipment is likely to arrive in a few days.
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India has, so far, reported four cases of monkeypox. Due to the recent issuance of Ministry advisory for preparedness of the healthcare institutes for management of Monkeypox cases, prima facie PGIMER has designated a few beds in the Communicable ward of Nehru Hospital and ICU beds in Nehru hospital extension.
Primarily, Monkeypox being a dermatological infestation, institute authorities have directed Department of Dermatology to take the lead for examination and management of such suspected cases.
Any patient suspected of having symptoms simulating Monkeypox will be directed to dermatology wing of the institute for examination and required testing. Department of Virology has been designated for sample processing and reporting of samples.
Competent authorities have also stated that to minimise the disease transmission, cases requiring active management will be admitted while stable patients will be advised for home isolation.
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-PTC News
