Which IIT Developed Covirap Technology for COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to a standstill, with millions of people affected by the virus and thousands losing their lives. In response to this crisis, scientists and researchers around the world have been working tirelessly to develop new technologies and tools to help fight the spread of the virus. One such technology that has been gaining attention recently is Covirap, a low-cost COVID-19 diagnostic tool developed by an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).

What is Covirap Technology?

Covirap is a COVID-19 diagnostic tool developed by the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. The technology is designed to be a low-cost and easy-to-use alternative to traditional RT-PCR tests, which are currently the most widely used method for diagnosing COVID-19.

The Covirap technology is based on the Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) technique, which is a faster and more affordable alternative to RT-PCR. The technology uses a nasal or oral swab sample from a patient, which is then placed into a small tube containing a solution. The tube is then placed into a small device that heats up the sample and amplifies the viral RNA, if present. The device is capable of detecting the presence of the virus within an hour, making it much faster than traditional RT-PCR tests, which can take several hours or even days to produce results.

Which IIT Developed Covirap Technology?

Covirap technology was developed by a team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. The team, led by Prof. Suman Chakraborty from the Mechanical Engineering Department, developed the technology in response to the urgent need for fast and affordable COVID-19 diagnostic tools in India.

The technology was developed over a period of several months, with the team working tirelessly to refine and improve the technology. After successfully testing the technology in the laboratory, the team received approval from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct clinical trials. The results of the trials were promising, with the technology showing high levels of accuracy and sensitivity in detecting the virus.

Conclusion

The development of Covirap technology by the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, is a significant milestone in the fight against COVID-19. The low-cost and easy-to-use technology has the potential to revolutionize COVID-19 testing in India and other parts of the world, making it easier and more affordable for people to get tested for the virus. As the pandemic continues to impact communities around the world, it is encouraging to see researchers and scientists coming together to develop innovative solutions to help fight the spread of the virus.