Influenza
SRL Ranbaxy offers a quicker bird flu diagnostic test
By IANS
Feb 14, 2006, 19:55

SRL Ranbaxy, a pathology laboratory network promoted by India's pharma major Ranbaxy Laboratories, Monday announced the launch of the first diagnostic test for bird flu that can give results in just a day.

"A first of its kind, it is the only diagnostic test for bird flu that can be effectively employed for mass screening and gives accurate results within just one day vis-�-vis two to ten days, which other available tests take," said SRL Ranbaxy in a statement.

SRL Ranbaxy has a network of 550 sample collection centres and serves around 2,000 hospitals across the country.

The recent outbreak of avian flu in migratory birds in China, Mongolia, Russia and Turkey has raised fears that the virus responsible could spread to India and other countries.

"India has not reported any case of avian flu in humans or birds. But we must prepare ourselves if it arrives in India one day and be prepared to respond adequately if we are to contain the disease before it gets out of control," said Janak Singh Bajwa, chief operating officer of SRL Ranbaxy.

"We are proud of this endeavour and this test will be available across our 550 centres in over 350 cities through our network."

These tests will cost between Rs.1,200-Rs.2,500 ($27-$56).

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