RT-PCR machine can test 96 samples in 3 hours to detect coronavirus

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) machines in different university labs in Bangladesh can be useful in testing coronavirus, said Robiul Hasan Bhuiyan, associate professor of the department of biochemistry and molecular biology of Chattogram University.

"Many universities in Bangladesh have the machine in their labs. If the government approves, then we can conduct coronavirus detection tests in our labs using necessary safety measures and can easily detect and isolate the infected person while keeping the rest of the people safe," he said in a Facebook post from his account on March 25.

"Coronavirus diagnosis is done by a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. We can diagnose 96 samples in 3 hours by using the RT-PCR machine. RT-PCR machines are familiar to all of us who are researching molecular biology," he said in that post.

Robiul also said that the tests can be conducted maintaining minimum safety prerequisites as the necessary personal protection equipment (PPE) are present in the labs for use.

"If safety is a concern then the test can be done in a protected environment as well," Robiul added.

Dr Sheikh Fazle Rabbi, a civil surgeon of Chattogram district, said, "IEDCR is controlling everything related to coronavirus. They will decide on the permission and use of this method for testing."