ISLAMABAD, Dec 8: The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) will provide modern technology on molecular diagnostics to local laboratories, hospitals and research organizations. This was stated by Dr Kauser Abdullah Malik, member (biosciences), PAEC, while speaking at an awareness seminar on the introduction and popularity of biotech diagnostic techniques — “Real time PCR diagnostics”.

The seminar was organized by PAEC’s cancer hospital - NORI - in collaboration with the National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad.

Dr Malik said molecular diagnostic techniques based on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) were sensitive, specific and indicative of disease stage and had been developed by the NIBGE in the areas of tuberculosis, hepatitis, typhoid, diabetes and thalassaemia by evolving indigenous kits for analysis.

“These tests are available to general public at a nominal cost at the NIBGE, Faisalabad”, Dr Malik added.

Introducing these diagnostic tests at national level was not merely the question of buying an equipment/machine, it required trained paramedics and laboratory personnel well versed with the technology base, and the PAEC aimed at providing training to these cadres.

He said a fully-equipped lab covering these biotech diagnostic techniques was being made functional at NORI and a similar one was already offering services at PAEC’s INMOL cancer hospital in Lahore. These laboratories would be incorporated in PAEC’s all 13 cancer hospitals.

Dr Malik appreciated assistance provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency in laying down guidelines for these diagnostic techniques and said the PAEC was ready to act as an accreditation body to popularise the use of these latest techniques.