Bangladesh’s Coronavirus Test Kit

The government of Bangladesh has approved the production of a low cost test kit based on rapid blot dot technique for detecting COVID-19 infections.

About the Test Kit

The test kit was developed by Gono Shasthaya Kendra of Bangladesh. It works based on the ‘rapid blot dot’ technique instead of the standard rRT PCR based (Real-time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing. The test will be able to yield results in 15 minutes. For its production, the country will be importing certain chemicals.

Dot Blot Technique

The dot blot technique is a tool used in molecular biology to detect proteins. It is noted for its time saving feature. The technique involves the introduction of the sample onto a membrane, followed by blotting. The Bangladesh kit will use the ‘rapid blot dot’ test- which will look for anti-bodies which are produced by the body in response to the coronavirus.

Gono Shasthaya Kendra

Gono Shashthaya Kendra is the first health centre to be established in independent Bangladesh. It was founded in 1972 by the Bangladeshi public health activist Zafrullah Chowdhury. The institution runs hospitals and conducts medical research works in the country, mainly for the benefit of rural areas.