OmiSure RT-PCR test detects sub-lineages of Omicron : Tata Medical And Diagnostics

New Delhi: Tata Medical and Diagnostics on Tuesday said its OmiSure RT-PCR(Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) test has been upgraded to detect the new BA.2 sub-lineages of Omicron. In an evaluation carried out by ICMR and the Virus Research & Diagnostics Laboratory, Kasturba Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Mumbai, the upgraded OmiSure successfully detected BA.1, BA.1.1, and BA.2 sub-lineages of Omicron, the company said in a statement.

With this, the OmiSure RT-PCR test kit is now capable of detecting all the sub-lineages of Omicron prolific in India at present, it added.

Also Read:Tata Medical and Diagnostics develops kit to detect Omicron variant in RT-PCR tests

"We are glad to announce that OmiSure detects all omicron sub-lineages, including newer BA.1, BA.2 accurately and confirmed by ICMR. It is a testament to our strength that we upgraded the OmiSure within a week and OmiSure is the most economical variant testing platform to address the market needs," TATA Medical and Diagnostics CEO and Managing Director Girish Krishnamurthy noted.

OmiSure RT-PCR test decreases the load on sequencing; allows healthcare authorities to assess the evolution of variants and take timely action to control spread.

Additionally, samples negative for Omicron on the OmiSure test can be prioritised for sequencing as the chances of detecting other variants and newer mutations are higher in these samples, the company stated.

Rt Pcr is a nuclear-derived method for detecting the presence of specific genetic material of the infective agent. It is the most widely used lab methods for detection of corona virus worldwide. It is an antigen test which is fairly accurate, particularly when someone is experiencing symptoms and their viral load is very high. They can be less accurate when someone has a lower viral load, such as in someone without symptoms resulting in false negative test results.

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