Important. Increasing the number of testing labs. Testing for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 typically involves four-steps: Sample collection, isolation of the viral genetic material, performing the RT-PCR test, and documenting the results and conveying them.

Over the years many ministries, departments and science agencies, have invested in creating a science infrastructure of a scale and depth we should all be proud of. This infrastructure can, today, be used for setting up many more testing sites for COVID-19 across the country.

We are compiling a list of laboratories that have the required infrastructure for setting up such sites. Setting up a testing lab for SARS_CoV-2 presence is complex. But, if all parts of the protocol are put in place, they can quickly be up to par.

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India has developed a “Handbook for COVID-19 testing in Research Institutions” which allows a lab to self-assess preparedness, in terms of equipment, staff, and expertise.

This handbook has been assembled by a group of young researchers, whose efforts are gratefully acknowledged. Here is the link to the covering note: http://psa.gov.in/information-related-covid-19/handbook-covid-testing-research-laboratories and the handbook http://psa.gov.in/sites/default/files/pdf/Handbook_COVID19_Research_Institutions.pdf

Laboratory heads and investigators, please read this carefully (edits, welcome). On pages 3- 6, is a checklist, which each research lab Head must fill.

The checklist along with other indications of preparedness, full contact details which include cell phone nos. maybe sent to the office of PSA at shailja[dot]psa[at]gov[dot]in  and sti-india[at]psa[dot]gov[dot]in

The information received will be screened and suitable labs directed to join the pool of labs deployed for testing. Testing sites have already increased in number. This allows an even further increase in the public laboratory space.