Diagnostic testing on high-throughput Cobas 8800 in Kolkata and Cobas 6800 in Mumbai to significantly increase testing capacity
Key Highlights
- Cobas 8800 can test 960 results in 8 hours and approx 3000 results in 24 hours
- Cobas 6800 can test 384 results in 8 hours and approx 1,440 results in 24 hours
- RFID barcodes ensure full traceability from Sample in to Result Out
- Instruments offer a broad test menu, including HIV & Hepatitis
Mumbai, Tuesday, 28 July 2020: Roche Diagnostics India today announced the launch of its first Cobas 8800 instrument at National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata also known as ICMR-NICED. Cobas 6800 was launched at National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai also known as ICMR- NIRRH to aid with SARS CoV-2 diagnostic testing. Operating on the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) platform, SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests on the instrument detects the genetic signature (RNA) of the virus in a simple test performed by a healthcare provider using nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples.
The globally widely available Roche’s cobas 6800/8800 systems provides test results in three and half hours and offer improved operating efficiency, flexibility and fastest time-to-results with the highest throughput providing up to 96 results in about three hours and a total of 384 results for the cobas 6800 System and 960 results for the cobas 8800 System in 8 hours. The test can be run simultaneously with other diagnostic assays provided by Roche Diagnostics, including HIV and Hepatitis.
Dr Shravan Subramanyam, Managing Director India and Neighbouring markets, Roche Diagnostics India said, “Diagnostic testing is an important element of India’s battle against COVID-19, as we see a steady rise in infections across almost all parts of the country. High-volume and high-quality diagnostic tests are important to provide appropriate clinical support in time and implement social measures that can further avoid the infected spread the virus. The cobas 6800/8800 addresses almost all of the challenges faced by the labs in pandemic times – reduced turnaround time, maintaining testing efficiency and improved productivity of lab personnel on account of automation. Roche Diagnostics India is committed to providing technologies to help healthcare providers and patients in India.”
Dr Smita Mahale, Director, National Institute For Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, said, “With this Cobas 6800 machine our COVID -19 testing capacity will go up to around 1000 samples per day.”
Dr Shanta Dutta, Scientist and Director, National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata said, “Cobas 8800 has added the much-needed impetus to our testing capacity. The high-end technology will help us perform real-time PCR testing for COVID-19 at a much larger and faster rate (at least 3000 tests per day). Our staff will be trained on the fully automated high throughput instrument which will help us in diagnosis and timely treatment, thus controlling the COVID-19 epidemic.”
The fully automated cobas 6800/8800 systems do not require sorting or batching of samples, reagent preparation, or manual set-up of runs.
About the cobas 6800/8800 Systems
Globally, the cobas 6800/8800 Systems have established the new standard for routine molecular testing by delivering fully integrated, automated solutions that serve the HIV and Hepatitis viral load monitoring. Based on Nobel prize-winning PCR technology, the systems deliver proven performance with full automation, increased throughput, fast turnaround time and complete track connectivity validated for molecular testing, providing users with greater flexibility to consolidate their IVD and LDT testing to a single system while increasing overall workflow efficiencies.
Our global installed base for the cobas 6800 and 8800 Systems is 695 and 132 respectively. The systems provide up to 96 results in about three hours and a total of 384 results for the cobas 6800 System and 960 results for the cobas 8800 System in 8 hours. Both make it possible for labs to perform up to three tests in the same run with no pre-sorting required. The systems also enable up to eight hours (cobas 6800 System) and four hours (cobas 8800 System) of walk-away time with minimal user interaction. cobas 6800 and cobas 8800 Systems are the only fully automated molecular systems designated as moderately complex by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).
About Roche Diagnostics India
Roche Diagnostics India Pvt. Ltd. established in the year 2002 has offices located in Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai with over 400 employees. Our broad range of innovative diagnostic tests and systems play a pivotal role in the groundbreaking area of integrated healthcare solutions and cover early detection, targeted screening, evaluation and monitoring of disease. Roche Diagnostics India works with the objective of “Doing now what patients need next”, thus preparing for the nation’s future healthcare needs. http://go.roche.com/rdin
COBAS is a trademark of Roche
For further information, please contact
Roche Diagnostics India
Magline Rufina FR
Head – Communications
Phone: +91 8879927629
Email: magline.rufinafr@roche.com
Anish Charles
Manager – Communications
Phone: +91 9820578421
Email: anish.charles@roche.com
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