To ramp up testing, Himachal to buy RT-PCR machines

Subhash Rajta
Tribune News Service
Shimla, April 30

To ramp up Covid testing facilities, the state will procure more RT-PCR machines. The additional machines will help in ensuring timely reports of the samples, which are getting delayed due to a thrust on extensive testing, especially RT-PCR tests. “The state is purchasing more RT-PCR machines for the existing centres and will also provide more staff for multiple runs in these centres,” said Dr Nipun Jindal, MD, National Health Mission.

The Central Government had asked the states to raise the proportion of RT-PCR tests in the overall testing up to 70 per cent, as they give more reliable results. “The state has eight RT-PCR labs with a total testing capacity of 4,900 samples per day,” said Dr Jindal. “Besides, we have been informed by the AIIMS authorities that an RT-PCT lab will be set up at AIIMS, Bilaspur, soon,” he said.

Besides RT-PCR tests, the state is doing testing through Rapid Antigen Tests and TrueNat. While Rapid Antigen Tests are being done almost in the same proportion as RT-PCR tests, only a limited number of tests are done through TrueNat. “While any number of Rapid Antigen Tests can be done, our TrueNat capacity is 700 tests and it can be done at 25 locations in the state,” said Dr Jindal.

The Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, which has a capacity to do 800 tests and has a high workload, has demanded an additional RT-PCR machine. “The principal’s office has taken up the matter with the government. I believe we will get it soon,” said Dr Janak Raj, Medical Superintendent, IGMC.