New VRDL lab starts functioning at Ernakulam MCH, official inauguration soon

A Viral Research and Diagnostic Lab (VRDL) has started functioning at the Ernakulam Medical College Hospital (MCH) and is gearing up for its formal inauguration.

Founded and funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the lab carries out PCR and ELISA tests for various respiratory viruses, hepatitis viruses, and dengue virus. Bacteria such as Rickettsia (Scrub Typhus) and Leptospira are also being tested.

At present, the samples collected from the hospital and surrounding areas as part of ICMR’s Pan India Respiratory Virus Surveillance Project are tested for respiratory viruses. “Every week, 25 samples (15 from periphery regions and 10 from hospitalised cases) are being tested and these results are uploaded to ICMR’s portal. This is part of their two-year project,” said Dr. Joana Mary, HOD, Microbiology, Government Medical College, Ernakulam .

The respiratory viruses that are tested include Influenza-A virus, Influenza-B virus, SARS CovV-2 virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). As part of surveillance, Nipah tests are also being carried out.

Regular work is ongoing since 2024 in the existing PCR Lab at the hospital and this was shifted to a new renovated space with better facilities in December. The facility is awaiting its formal inauguration.

As of 31st January, 21,872 tests have been carried out with a total number of PCR tests standing at 6,958 and ELISA at 14,914.

“The inpatient tests are being carried out based on the clinician’s request. The tests are free, so patients benefit from this,” says Dr. Joana. All these data are uploaded to the ICMR portal. Dr. Joana adds ICMR expands the target list and additional viruses are tested. Recent additions in the virus panel include Adenovirus and Parainfluenza viruses.

“The priority is given for research and this will help us in our preparedness in the event of a pandemic and also help us predict any outbreaks as surveillance for viruses is carried out. We get to know if any new viruses are evolving or monitor the possibility of any outbreak and arrest its spread. With the lab, we can do more virus based tests and carry out expanded investigations and studies,” she added.