I-LAB        

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Context

• Beginning with Mizoram, the Centre launched a Mobile Covid testing facility -- a first of its kind Mobile Diagnostic Laboratory (I-LAB) for Northeast India.

 

Developed by

• It has been developed with support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science & Technology.

 

Aim

• It is meant to provide Covid testing access to rural and remote parts of Northeast.

 

Features

• The mobile lab has bio-safety facility and is capable of performing both RT-PCR and ELISA tests.
• It can also be utilised for testing other infectious diseases like TB, HIV, and therefore will remain relevant even in post-Covid times.
• I-LAB wil be linked with a tele-consultation facility in accordance with disease profile of the population of the northeastern region.

 

Significance

• Diagnostic services have a very important role to play in medical decision-making, which have an impact on the nation's health status.
• But the COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on healthcare systems, including the availability of diagnostic services.
• The mobile lab makes it easy to implement the best medical precautionary measures to provide highly effective, flexible and standard testing labs, meeting the public’s requirements for safe and fast testing.

 

https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/mobile-covid-19-testing-lab-launched-for-northeast-starting-mizoram-122012100024_1.html