TATA Medical and Diagnostics (TATA MD) announced that its OmiSure RT-PCR test has been upgraded to detect the new BA.2 sub-lineages of Omicron. In an evaluation carried out by ICMR and the Virus Research & Diagnostics Laboratory, Kasturba Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Mumbai, the upgraded OmiSure successfully detected BA.1, BA.1.1, and BA.2 sub-lineages of Omicron. With this, the OmiSure RT-PCR test kit is now capable of detecting all the sub-lineages of Omicron prolific in India at present.

TATA MD OmiSure RT-PCR test was developed in partnership with ICMR and detected Omicron with 100% concordance, as per the ICMR report.

Dr. V Ravi, Head- R&D, TATA Medical and Diagnostics said, “Our innovative testing platform keeps pace with the evolution of viruses and is equipped to respond rapidly to detect newer variants when they become significant epidemiologically. Our proactive tracking of the variants on a continuous basis revealed that BA.2 was further mutating in India. We ensured that upgraded OmiSure detected the newer mutations in the BA.2 sub-lineage of Omicron.”

OmiSure RT-PCR test decreases the load on sequencing; allows healthcare authorities to assess the evolution of variants and take timely action to control spread. Additionally, samples negative for Omicron on the OmiSure test can be prioritized for sequencing as the chances of detecting other variants and newer mutations are higher in these samples.