The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has approved the inclusion of six private genomic sequencing labs into the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). The network of labs is identified by the government to sequence the coronavirus disease (Covid) samples. Four of these labs are from Karnataka.

The labs from Karnataka are Strand Life Sciences, Genotypic Technologies, Medgenome and Eurofins Genomics India, according to an official memorandum from the ministry of science and technology.

The communication from the Union government also stated that the inclusion of the 6 labs is subject to certain conditions like the sequencing charges are to be borne by the private labs and not passed on to the patients. Further, the labs would be required to indicate the source of funding in order to undertake sequencing activities.

The sequencing information will be confidential and would not be shared to any third party source or public. The private labs will need to preserve the RNA samples for a specific period, among other terms and conditions to ensure the quality of sequencing.

In December 2021, the Karnataka government to expedite diagnosis of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus set up additional genomic sequencing labs. This was in addition to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS).

During the second wave of Covid-19, the state government had said six genome sequencing labs were being set up at Bengaluru, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Hubballi, Mangaluru and Vijayapura. These labs are expected to strengthen the diagnostic infrastructure in the state. This is because early detection is the key to faster isolation and treatment access, said Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

In the wake of the Omicron variant spread, the state took up measures to set up more genomic sequencing labs. Right now all of Karnataka’s 30 districts have Covid testing laboratories. The labs in every district undertake Covid-19 tests. But in the case of genomic sequencing to detect Omicron, there is need for an advanced facility. Moreover all samples are not sent for genomic sequencing. But only if there is a doubt that a person could be infected with the Omicron variant, the sample is sent for gene sequencing.

As of now, labs at NCBS and NIMHANS are the only two diagnostic units in Karnataka that have been approved by Indian SARS-CoV-2 INSACOG to conduct genomic sequencing since September 2020.  As part of various initiatives towards mitigating Covid-19, CSIR Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) has inked a pact with Clevergene, a Bengaluru-based company for sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 genome which was recognized a part of the various initiatives to mitigate the deadly virus.

There are also efforts national like FIND, the global alliance for diagnostics which teamed up with CSIR-IGIB (Institute of Genomics and Integrated Biology) to support India’s fight against Covid-19 by boosting sequencing capacity across the country.