TataMD CHECK to make COVID-19 detection simpler, quicker, more accessible

Being a paper strip-based test with an image-based visual result read out, with a total testing time from RNA-extracted sample in the lab to result in 75 minutes only, TataMD CHECK allows labs, hospitals and other healthcare providers to fast-track COVID-19 testing 

Tata Medical and Diagnostics (TataMD) has commercially launched TataMD CHECK, a novel diagnostic testing for COVID-19, powered by FELUDA, a CRISPR Cas-9 technology that was developed in India by CSIR- IGIB for COVID testing. It is reportedly the world’s first CRISPR Cas-9 based diagnostic tool to be launched globally.

TataMD CHECK has been approved by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) and will be available through diagnostic centers and hospitals across India shortly, as per a company release.

TataMD Check test kits will be manufactured at a quality-controlled production facility near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. As per the release, the production plant presently has a capacity of producing 1 million kits in a month. TataMD is also reportedly tying up with leading diagnostic chains, hospitals, healthcare centres to enhance the adoption of these tests apart from partnering with Government agencies.

While TataMD CHECK’s process of collecting patient samples, RNA extraction and amplification etc remain the same as existing tests, the test uses simple, less expensive equipment and produces quicker results due to a more agile process and AI-based automated result detection.

The key advantages of TataMD Check testing are:

• Simplicity: It is a paper strip-based test with an image-based visual result read out. It requires standard laboratory equipment and small batches of tests can be conducted.
• Quick results: Fast reaction time of 45-50 minutes in the laboratory and the total testing time from RNA-extracted sample in the lab to result is 75 minutes only.
• Scalability: Ability to provide high quality, quick results using standard equipment and minimally trained staff allows for rapid adoption and scale with potential to reach remote locations of the country.
• Digital backbone: Continuous quality control using sensors and AI-based result reporting tool will help patients and authorities with the evidence of test, traceability of the sample and results accessible anywhere on cloud storage.

Tata MD CHECK offers laboratories, hospitals and other healthcare providers the opportunity to fast-track COVID diagnosis services to more people and allows diagnostic centres to offer COVID-19 testing solutions at more locations due to two reasons:

• Lower capital costs since the testing can be done on standard available equipment instead of expensive qPCR machines. Hence new testing centres that are closer to the consumers in Tier II & III cities as also semi-rural areas can be set up
• Technology-backed faster test process: Quicker results and higher throughput of testing volumes gives greater agility for labs as there are no minimum batch sizes

Commenting on the launch, Girish Krishnamurthy, CEO, Tata Medical and Diagnostics indicated that there may be more such launches saying, “The pandemic has encouraged us to reflect on the healthcare sector and our role in bridging the many gaps that exists. Our collaboration with R&D institutions will continue to be a critical part of our strategy to introduce new diagnostic technologies like CRISPR, and develop R&D-led healthcare solutions for consumers for COVID and other infectious diseases.”