CDSCO Approves RT-PCR Testing Kits for Mpox Detection in India

Source- This post on CDSCO Approves RT-PCR Testing Kits for Mpox Detection in India has been created based on the article “CDSCO grants approval for making RT-PCR testing kits to detect Mpox in India” published in “The Hindu” on 28th August 2024.

Why in News?

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has granted approval to Siemens Healthineers for the manufacture of RT-PCR testing kits specifically designed to detect Mpox.

About RT-PCR kits

1. The newly approved RT-PCR kits provide test results in just 40 minutes. It significantly reduces the time compared to traditional testing methods which takes 1-2 days.

2. Faster results will help decrease the turnaround time for reporting, enabling quicker responses to the disease.

3. The IMDX Monkeypox Detection RT-PCR Assay targets two distinct regions in the Mpox viral genome, covering both clade I and clade II variants.

4. This design ensures comprehensive detection across various viral strains, providing thorough and reliable results.

5. The assay is platform-agnostic, meaning it can be integrated into existing laboratory workflows without requiring new equipment. The ability to utilize existing COVID-19 testing infrastructure enhances overall efficiency.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology (Health)