Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology has rolled out a fully-equipped mobile virology testing laboratory to contain the Nipah virus

The Union Department of Biotechnology's Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) has launched a fully-functional mobile virology testing laboratory, bolstering efforts to limit the Nipah virus infection that has been detected in some areas of Kozhikode district. The mobile lab was launched in front of the Kerala Assembly building by the minister of health Veena George, on Thursday.

She praised RGCB for intervening to considerably aid the Nipah containment efforts by establishing such a crucial facility, saying it will allow more samples to be examined rapidly.

In the lab, where two machines will be operating concurrently, Level 3 practises and Biosafety Level 2 (BSL) procedures can be carried out. Each machine can test 96 samples at once, for a total of 192 samples that may be examined across the two devices, she added. 

The services of a team of six specialists would be offered in the mobile unit, which can deliver findings within six hours after evaluating the samples, according to RGCB Director Chandrabhas Narayana. "The building will be placed exactly inside the confinement area. For speedy findings, any tiny sample size may also be analysed, according to Prof. Narayana.

According to him, the mobile lab includes a double airlock system, onboard decontamination, and the ability to treat biological waste, much like a BSL 3 facility would. It may evaluate food quality and conduct tests for bacteria, fungus, and other harmful organisms. The lab is connected to RGCB through the Internet to allow for quick data processing and publication of findings after authorization.