Lucknow based Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), has joined hands with the Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) to combat COVID-19 in the state.

BSIP, as one of the five Central Government Research Institutes in Lucknow, took initial steps to start laboratory testing of COVID-19.

The availability of the ancient DNA BSL-2A laboratory in the Institute itself made it possible to prepare for testing immediately.

BSIP received the first batch of suspected COVID samples to test on 2^nd May 2020, from district Chandauli. Since then, the lab is running 24x7 to test approximately 400 samples per day from various districts of Uttar Pradesh, as decided by the nodal authorities.

Till date, more than 12,000 samples have been tested, out of which about 400+ samples have been reported positive for SARS-CoV-2. This is highly commendable on the part of the BSIP, more so due to only limited resources and manpower.