BMC announces new machines to enhance testing capabilities

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently took to Twitter to announce that OPPI India, a research-driven pharmaceutical company has donated three cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test machine to Sion hospital in Mumbai. The BMC further added that these machines will enhance the testing capabilities, especially in slums like Dharavi.

#StrongerTogether

We thank @OPPIIndia for donating 3 Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test Machines to Sion Hospital through @Americares_IN

These machines will accelerate our testing capabilities, particularly in Dharavi#BlessedToServe#AnythingForMumbai#NaToCorona

— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) May 26, 2020

This machine was used to diagnose tuberculosis earlier. The machine conducts a molecular test which is a cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification tests (CBNAAT) using the GeneXpert technology to diagnose TB. The CBNAAT detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria which causes TB. However, the customised test for the coronavirus will detect the E gene (found in RNA of coronaviruses) and N2 gene (specific to SARS-CoV2) in the samples. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved the use of US-grown technology to detect COVID-19. This machine is touted to test four samples at a time and is able to declare the results in 45 minutes approximately.

In recent developments, Maharashtra has selected three laboratories to conduct these tests namely Intermediate Reference Laboratory based in Nagpur and Pune, and at RCSM government medical college, Kolhapur. The minimum requirement to carry out testing is the presence of at least one microbiologist experienced in molecular virology along with technicians. Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala and Jammu also plan to conduct tests using these machines.

Dharavi, Mumbai’s largest slum sprawl has crossed the thousand mark when it comes to cases of coronavirus. Slum pockets account for more than 70 per cent of cases in Mumbai. Dharavi itself has reported over 1,500 cases to date. However, amidst constant efforts of mass testing, Dharavi has managed to increase its doubling rate which is seen as a positive sign. With the help of newer technology brimming in the country to test the coronavirus, it can be expected that this move by OPPI India would bring about a change in the testing capacities of Mumbai.