TrueNat Test

1. TrueNat is a is a chip-based, battery-operated RT-PCR kit for point-of-care and rapid molecular test for diagnosis of infectious diseases.
2. RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase- Polymerase Chain Reaction) employs reverse transcription process that converts RNA into DNA molecule before the gene can be captured in the test.
3. It was used as a screening test during COVID-19 pandemic, to identify the E-gene in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the gene that helps the virus build a spherical envelope around it or detect RdRp enzyme.
4. It offers advantages such as:
   1. Portability
   2. Lower cost compared to traditional RT-PCR tests.
   3. Quanity of sampkle required for testing is much less.
   4. the reagents do not require extreme temperatures compared to conventional RT-PCR tests.
5. The test was originally developed for Tuberculosis diagnosis and has been incorporated in India's National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme.