Rupesh Samant

Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 9: With the testing of COVID-19 suspected patients beginning on a war front across the country, a Goa-based Tulip Diagnostics Private Limited received nod from CDSCO to manufacture rapid testing kit for coronavirus infection, a senior company official said.

“The company has received a nod from CDSCO to manufacture ‘COVISCREEN™’ a rapid third generation double antigen test for total antibodies to SARS COV2 virus,” D G Tripathi, president of the company.

"The company has an installed capacity to manufacture up to 5 million tests of COVISCREEN at its Goa plant.

"Tulip has eight manufacturing locations in PAN India and exports to over seventy countries across the globe, and most products are CE marked.

"The production of the rapid testing kits is expected to start from the fourth week of May in the plant based at Goa.

"The company is in discussion with the state governments and supplies would be made through procurement process. The company can provide 1,50,000 tests daily.

"A second test, COVICHECK that can differentiate between IgM and IgG antibodies has also been developed and it is on the way to get a regulatory approval.

"The COVISCREEN is extremely unique as it detects total antibody response to SARS COV2 and is much more specific and sensitive than most rapid tests available for COVID-19 detection in the market today.

“Since Tulip’s products are wholly developed and completely indigenous, it would serve the Indian testing requirements eminently.”

Tulip Diagnostics (P) Ltd is one of the leading Indian diagnostic companies, which is involved in the manufacture and marketing of in-vitro diagnostic reagents and kits both nationally and internationally.