title: How to develop an in-house real-time quantitative cytomegalovirus polymerase chain reaction: Insights from a cancer centre in Eastern India.
abstract: Development of a reliable, cost-effective cytomegalovirus quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) is a priority for developing countries. Manufactured kits are expensive, and availability can be inconsistent. Development of an in-house QPCR kit that is reliable and quality assured requires significant effort and initial investment. However, the rewards of such an enterprise are manifold and include an in-depth understanding of molecular reactions, and expertise in the development of further low-cost molecular kits. The experience of an oncology centre in Eastern India has been shared. Hopefully, this would provide a brief roadmap for such an initiative. Staff with adequate understanding of molecular processes are essential along with vital infrastructure for molecular research and development.
authors.forename: Anusha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Harishankar
authors.forename: Mammen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chandy
authors.affiliation: Departments of Microbiology and Clinical Hematology, Tata Medical Center, Rajarhat, Kolkata, India.
authors.forename: Sanjay
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhattacharya
mesh_terms: D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*