M’singh Medical College gets PCR machine from BAU

Authorities of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) yesterday handed over a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine to the Microbiology Department of Mymensingh Medical College (MMC), to test samples of  Covid-19 suspects in Mymensingh region.

BAU professors led by Prof Dr Md Abdul Kafi handed over the machine to MMC Principal Prof Dr Chitta Ranjan Debnath, said MMC sources.

Dr Debnath said BAU has given the machine for as long as it is needed, and assigned two professors of its microbiology and hygiene department to assist with the tests.

He expected that the machine will be installed by Friday, and they would go for tests soon.

Dr Md Bahanur Rahman, a senior professor of BAU's Microbiology and Hygiene department, said this German qPCR machine is an advanced model, and can deliver test results within two hours.

Earlier, a PCR machine was installed at the laboratory of MMC's microbiology department to test coronavirus suspects on March 28. The machine could test 94 samples at a time, and now it would be double through two machines, helping hundreds of Covid-19 suspects in Mymensingh region, said the principal.

The lab has given hope for testing coronavirus suspects of the region, said Dr Hossain Ahmed Golandaj Tara, Mymensingh divisional convener of Coronavirus Monitoring Cell.