Roche Diagnostics India has announced the launch of its first Cobas 8800 instrument at National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata also known as ICMR-NICED.

Cobas 6800 was launched at National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai also known as ICMR- NIRRH to aid with SARS CoV-2 diagnostic testing.

Operating on the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) platform, SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests on the instrument detects the genetic signature (RNA) of the virus in a simple test performed by a healthcare provider using nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples.

Dr. Shravan Subramanyam, Managing Director India and Neighbouring markets, Roche Diagnostics India said, “Diagnostic testing is an important element of India’s battle against COVID-19, as we see a steady rise in infections across almost all parts of the country. High-volume and high-quality diagnostic tests are important to provide appropriate clinical support in time and implement social measures that can further avoid the infected spread the virus. The cobas 6800/8800 addresses almost all of the challenges faced by the labs in pandemic times – reduced turnaround time, maintaining testing efficiency and improved productivity of lab personnel on account of automation. Roche Diagnostics India is committed to providing technologies to help healthcare providers and patients in India.”