Union Minister dedicates COBAS-6800 testing machine to the nation

Facts:

• COBAS 6800 is a fully automated machine enabled with robotics for performing RT-PCR tests for COVID-19.
• The machine provides high-volume quality testing and will be able to test around 1200 samples in 24 hours.
• It is installed at the National Centre for Disease Control(NCDC).
• Significance: It will help minimize the chance of contamination and the risk of contraction of the virus by healthcare professionals as the machine is operated remotely with very little human intervention.

Additional Facts:

• Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction(RT-PCR) Tests:It is a nuclear-derived method for detecting the presence of specific genetic material from any pathogen including a virus.
• NCDC: It is an institute under the Indian Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for disease surveillance facilitating prevention and control of communicable diseases.