Micro Labs for Genomic Sequencing
- December 8, 2021
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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Micro Labs for Genomic Sequencing
Subject – Science and Tech
Context – CSIR-IGIB and FIND plan to set up micro labs for genomic sequencing
Concept –
- With the aim of taking genome sequencing to hard-to-reach locations and reducing the time to get results from these tests, CSIRInstitute of Genomics and Integrated Biology has partnered with FIND, a global alliance for diagnostics.
- The concept is to decentralise genomic sequencing of SARSCoV-2 through micro labs located closer to where the RT-PCR testing takes place.
- At present, test samples are sent to centralised labs at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s IGIB or others belonging to INSACOG – the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium – where they are run on high-throughput machines that require adequate samples to be run.
- The micro lab will be housed in a redesigned shipping container and the genome sequencing involves the more nimble Oxford Nanopore technology.
- FIND will support and finance this initiative, for possibly a year. The global alliance is a co-convener of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator – diagnostics pillar, and a World Health Organization collaborating centre for laboratory strengthening and diagnostic technology evaluation
- This will advance a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model of genomic surveillance comprising both MegaLabs (high-throughput sequencing) and MicroLabs (high-priority sequencing).