Raipur: The state viral research and diagnostic laboratory (VRDL) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, has received its first accreditation from National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
The laboratory, which functions under the Department of Microbiology, was accredited for the diagnosis of 12 major viral infections. These include viral meningitis and encephalitis, COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), swine flu (H1N1), influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and 14 high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) types that cause cervical cancer.
The list also includes Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Hepatitis B and C viral load, and dengue.
Established in 2018, the VRDL provides diagnostic services to patients at AIIMS Raipur and receives samples from across Chhattisgarh. It is involved in testing for COVID-19, Hepatitis A, B, C, E, and dengue. The lab also assists in investigating outbreaks of viral diseases like chickenpox, conjunctivitis, and mumps.
The VRDL is the state nodal centre for COVID-19 testing, quality control, and whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2.
Lt Gen Ashok Jindal (Retd), Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Raipur, congratulated the team for their achievement, stating that the NABL accreditation is a step towards national recognition for the diagnostic services provided to the people of Chhattisgarh.
Prof Dr Anudita Bhargava, Head, Department of Microbiology, said the recognition was the result of teamwork and dedication by the entire staff.
