The responsibility of serving humanity in the present scenario of the pandemic has persuaded IISER Berhampur to establish Biosafety Lab (Level II) - the COVID-19 testing facility at the transit campus, even when it lacks other institutional infrastructure. Things might not change unless one decides to. The fraternity chose to be an inspiration for others from the beginning. During the initial lockdown days, we tried to help the administration by preparing 1000 bottles of sanitizers. Again, with the requirement of nationwide testing at large scale, Indian Institute of Science Education & Research has paved its way in the war against SARS-CoV-2.

Taking up a huge responsibility demands utmost care and important prerequisites. From the beginning of April till the day when testing of samples commenced, it was a marathon to make sure that the infrastructure, engineering, safety level and all associated attributes were unblemished. It was never an easy feat to achieve and witnessed enormous dedication of our scientists & officials. The facility was ready to be flagged off after all the members were professionally trained.

On May 24th, first batch of samples were received from Ganjam district. Weeks of commitment turned out to be fruitful that day when we could provide an answer to the anxiety of 31 individuals. The system proceeded smoothly and rapidly with successful testing of more than 250 samples by the end of the first week.

Team management is important in smooth functioning of the facility; the division of manpower into RNA team, PCR team, Data and logistics teams lead to proper channeling of resources and smooth conduction of testing. Two well-trained technicians from MKCG medical college joined to give guidance on equipment. Currently being involved with the testing centre, let me explain about the functioning of the system.














Samples collected from the hospital reach the lab as batches, packed along with a comprehensive datasheet of each individual. They are taken into the compartment of “sample processing” facility and labeled properly to proceed to RNA isolation laminar hood. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and all other safety measures are strictly followed inside this arena of the lab. Once RNA is isolated, samples are assigned to the PCR section for RT-PCR [Refer to the ‘Diagnosis & Therapeutics’ article in CONOCIMIENTO, ISSUE 1 for more details]. After analysis, the results are sorted and uploaded to the ICMR portal.

Besides testing the samples, the team also explores potential research ideas and engages in productive discussions. The weekly meeting sessions often address the possible opportunities to devise improvised testing methods to increase efficiency. Sample pooling in accordance with standard protocols have already been implemented. At the time of writing this article (12th day of functional facility), 400 samples had been analyzed so far.

Times ahead are going to be more difficult; the only way to emerge out of it is to make scientifically relevant decisions. The role of research institutes is very crucial these days and our institute appears to be worthy of the duties assigned in all possible ways. All team members achieve a new dimension when they are inside the testing centre and each moment is a realization of the responsibility resting on their shoulders. Let us hope and believe that, better days will come. Until then, everyone inside the lab will continue to work and the war will end only when all faces are free from masks.

Dr. Vinay Bulusu in RNA isolation

Tanya Verma, PhD in PCR Section