DU tests coronavirus samples in 30 minutes using RT-LAMP kit
The university authorities believe this method will help detect positive cases of coronavirus faster than any other ways
Dhaka University has successfully tested coronavirus samples in 30 minutes using RT-LAMP based kit.
The university authorities believe this method will help detect positive cases of coronavirus faster than any other ways. Currently the health directorate testing the virus samples in 52 labs using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines.
A press release sent from the public relations office of the university on Sunday confirmed the matter.
A team of researchers, led by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Chairperson Dr Zeba Islam Seraj conducted the sample test in the university laboratory.
The press release says that the test was conducted in 30-40 minutes using an incubator (temperature controlling device). This method shows yellow colour for positive and pink for negative test results.
RT-LAMP test kit is produced by New England Biolabs. Biotech Concern is the only distributor of the test kit in Bangladesh, the press release further says.
Biotech Concern and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Dhaka University applied to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College (BSMMU) to test the effectiveness of RT-LAMP. They will also apply to the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) for the approval.