Research Laboratory
CTMRF RESEARCH LABORATORY
A Research Laboratory as part of the CHILDS Trust Medical Research Foundation (CTMRF) has been a long cherished dream. A proposal to set up the laboratory was developed and submitted during August 2017 to the Trustees of CTMRF and approval obtained.
The research laboratory was realized thanks to the generous support extended by the Cholamandalam group who donated an amount of Rs one crore towards the establishment of this facility at KKCTH. The 300 square foot facility is housed in the basement of main hospital building. The entire project was executed by Siemens Healthcare during the period June 2018 to December 2018 and has been built in accordance with national and international guidelines. The laboratory was assessed for all parameters and became fully functional from January 2019. This research laboratory is a first of its kind in India – a paediatric speciality, not-for-profit tertiary care centre with its own in house research laboratory.
The laboratory has a fully automated Siemens versant kPCR platform supported by ancillary equipment. The facility will provide paediatric-focused research, diagnostics, teaching and training. Deliverables will include successful initiation of research and diagnostics programs in a phased manner, research training programmes, conference presentations, high-impact publications (national and international) and the establishment of doctoral (Ph.D) research programmes. Currently the laboratory work is handled by a well experienced molecular virologist and a laboratory research associate.
Two studies have been initiated at the Research Laboratory, the first is to study respiratory infections in children with cancer (funded by HDFC AMC) and the second is determination of Dengue infections in Children (CTMRF intramural research fund). Two more studies are in the pipeline and will be initiated in the next couple of months.
Equipment in the Research Laboratory
List of equipment:
| S.No | Equipment Description | Brand | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Versant kPCR sample Prep system | Siemens | 1 |
| 2 | kPCR AMP/DETECT QS5 DX (Thermocycler) | Siemens | 1 |
| 3 | Horizontal Laminar Air Flow | ESCO/Labtop | 1 |
| 4 | Bio Safety Cabinet Class-II | ESCO | 1 |
| 5 | Deep Freezer (-20°C) | Celfrost | 1 |
| 6 | Deep Freezer (-80°C) | 1 | |
| 7 | Refrigerator | Samsung | 1 |
| 8 | Vortex Mixer | 1 | |
| 9 | Micro centrifuge | 1 | |
| 10 | Dry Heating block | 1 | |
| 11 | Pipette set Quantity (2)- 0.5-10µl, 10-100 µl, 200-1000 µl | Eppendorf | 2 sets |
| 12 | Digital timer | 1 |
Functions of the Research Laboratory.
VERSANT kPCR Sample Prep
Salient features
The VERSANT® kPCR Sample Prep allows to consolidate nucleic acid extractions on one bench-top platform. The fully automated universal extraction technology isolates and purifies both DNA and RNA from diverse clinical samples using a single set of reagents, reducing inventory and maximizing lab efficiency. This one of the first installations of this system in a academic institution in India.
VERSANT kPCR Molecular System
Salient features
Employing proprietary extraction technology that supports multiple sample types, VERSANT® kPCR Molecular System* delivers accurate, reliable results with maximum productivity. System flexibility in combination with an expanding menu will support quantitative and qualitative detection across many molecular diagnostic applications.
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