IIT-Delhi develops kits to detect Omicron variant in 90 minutes

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi have developed an RT-PCR based assay for the specific detection of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 within 90 minutes, according to officials. Currently, the identification or screening for Omicron is done worldwide using next-generation sequencing-based methods which require over three days. The institute has filed an Indian patent application.

"The assay is based on detecting specific mutations which are present in the Omicron variant and absent in other variants," a senior IIT Delhi official said.