ICMR approves RT-qPCR kit developed by Kriya Medical technologies

The kit has the shortest cycle time of 27 minutes. The time taken for result to be read can vary between 50-60 minutes. It’s an open kit that can be used in all the available RT PCR equipment

KRIVIDA TRIVUS developed by Chennai-based KRIYA Medical technologies has received approval from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The RT-qPCR kit can detect the presence or absence of three pathogens – Influenza (H1N1, H3N2,Yamagata and Victoria sublineages), SARS CoV2, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The three pathogens have similar initial symptoms but differ in how the illness progresses, how easily they spread, and how they are treated. The kit helps identify which pathogen is causing the respiratory illness, aiding clinicians and patients to opt for the right course of treatment.

Kriya’s KRIVIDA TRIVUS offers the following advantages

• It detects the specific virus causing a respiratory infection. Identifying the specific virus that is causing the infection can help clinicians understand the likely outcomes and how the patient will do. For example, an infant with SARS-CoV-2 has a good prognosis, but one with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) may develop severe inflammation of the lungs called bronchiolitis. If there is a co-infection or if multiple viruses are present, it may signal a worse outcome and a higher chance of developing severe pneumonia.
• Knowing which virus is causing the infection can help doctors decide on the best treatment plan for the patient. For example, if an adult is diagnosed with influenza, within the first two days of being sick, they can be treated effectively with an antiviral drug. If any of the three viruses are detected, doctors can advise patients to avoid antibiotics, which can help prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance.
• The kit can help healthcare providers stay informed about the current burden of respiratory infections and be prepared for any new ones that may emerge.

The kit has the shortest cycle time of 27 minutes. The time taken for result to be read can vary between 50-60 minutes. It’s an open kit that can be used in all the available RT PCR equipment. It distinguishes between Influenza, SARS CoV2, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, within the shortest TAT (turnaround time), enabling immediate line of treatment. Given that there is no line of treatment or quarantine requirements specific to H3N2 Vs HIN1 subtypes of Influenza virus, it is important to be aware that clinical diagnostic kits differentiating between specific subtypes of Influenza is redundant.

The kit will be produced at KRIYA’s manufacturing facility in Oragadam in Chennai. The test is priced competitively, and it will soon be commercially available across the country.