DETECTING the deadly hepatitiS-B virus
will now be easier, thanks to a new technique developed at the Delhi-based
International Centre for Genetic
Engineering and Biotechnology. Instead
of the usual uncom fortable procedure
of puncturing a vein to get gobbets of
blood to conduct the test, just a little
prick in the finger to get a few drops of
blood will suffice.
The test doesn't require the separation of blood serum to isolate the virus particles for analysis. Instead, DNA -the
most vital genetic material - is first
amplified 50 times using the polymerase
chain reaction, and then examined by
staining it with ethidium bromide. The
entire affair is less time-consuming,
adequately cost effective and less prone
to contamination in clinical laboratories. Thousands of blood banks,
depending mainly on professional
donors for their supplies, will now
be able to detect the deadly virus
more conveniently with the help of
this technique.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.