Scientists at Pune based National Institute of virology (NIV) have developed a revolutionizing technology that is intended to transform the present procedure of testing deadly viruses in India and abroad. The technology has the potential to change the way clinical laboratories are currently functioning across the world.

The scientists have developed compounds, which can be added to blood collection tubes or vacutainers to instantly render a wide range of viruses non-infectious, without affecting their cell structure. The method eliminates bio-risks involved in handling deadly viruses, making their testing possible even at common laboratories. Eventually, it eliminates the need to test such samples at highly secured bio-safety labs, eliminating huge expenses on logistics and delays in diagnosis.

The NIV has handed over the novel technology to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research, and for commercial transfer to industry. The technology is indigenous, cost-effective and can be easily incorporated in the manufacturing process of blood collection tubes in India and elsewhere.

The scientists have validated the efficacy of the formulation against viruses that include Japanese Encephalitis, Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), dengue, chikungunya, Chandipura and Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Among these viruses, CCHF and KFD are highly lethal and can be transmitted between humans via close contact with blood or other body fluid.