ICMR selects PGIMER to run trials of Rapid Antigen Detection tests for COVID-19 patients

Indian Council of Medical and Research (ICMR) on Sunday initiated clinical trials for rapid antigen detection tests for Coronavirus patients. PGIMER, Chandigarh is one of seven premier tertiary care hospitals across country that has been selected to begin trials.

decision came after high surge in number of COVID-19 patients in recent days, said Public Relations Office, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.

This procedure will help in tracking number of patients and in detecting infection on a larger scale within a short span of time. PGIMER has been selected for running trials on critically ill COVID-19 patients.

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" availability of antigen-based detection tests is very limited all across world. Most of such tests have relatively moderate sensitivity but high specificity. test is a promising tool to keep a track of Coronavirus patients by rapid testing.

We are thankful to ICMR for having entrusted us with this responsibility and we will strengn our capacities, wherever required, to come out with tangible results to help fast track testing and tracing of positive cases as well as ease burden on current RT-PCR test," PGIMER Director, Prof Jagat Ram said.

research organisation will form a committee to create a comprehensive plan along with timelines to meet desired expectations of ICMR, thus contributing towards containing disease, he added.

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Rajasthan to begin trying rapid antigen test

Rajasthan government will soon begin rapid antigen tests on a trial basis for screening coronavirus cases in state as per guidelines issued by ICMR, according to an official statement. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday gave this direction to officials during a video conference with medical experts, statement said.

Additional Chief Secretary, Medical and Health, Rohit Kumar Singh said ICMR is sending 200 test kits to Rajasthan for trial. Gehlot said this will help ramp up coronavirus investigation infrastructure and get quick reports.

In discussions related to COVID-19 with faculty members of medical colleges, doctors, and or medical experts, Gehlot said state government's objective is to bring down mortality rate due to disease.

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(With ncy inputs)