SRL announces test for candidate SARS virus

EHM News Bureau - Mumbai

SRL Ranbaxy has announced the exclusive panel of tests available in their kitty to detect the candidate virus of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). As a prophylactic move, the laboratory has appraoched the ministry of health and will soon be submitting a formal prposition to the honourable minister, Sushma Swaraj, for contributing their services to combat SARS.

The laboratory plans to submit a proposal mentioning the three main panels for the SARS diagnosis, namely the Viral Pneumonia Panel, the Bacterial Pneumonia Panel and a combination of the two, comprising a series of tests that put all doubts about SARS detection to rest. The tests are conducted through PCR technique that delivers result almost immediately. SRL Ranbaxy also offers PCR assays and antibody tests for the entire range of common respiratory pathogens. These new validated test panels promise to help doctors and health bodies in the country to arrive at a specific diagnosis of acute respiratory illnesses that resemble the SARS being described by the health authorities of the affected nations.

SRL Ranbaxy is also planning to set up a unique public address system at their main laboratory in Mumbai to counsel people and address their fears about SARS. It aims to extend this addres system service to their satellite labs, collection centres through their website. They are also planning to provide this service through their helpline 1600.