Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
स्वास्थ्य अनुसंधान विभाग, स्वास्थ्य और परिवार कल्याण मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार
WHO Collaborating Centre For Research and Training On Diarrhoeal Diseases
Team Members
PI & Co-PIs
Adjunct Permanent Staff
RVRDL Project Scientists
RVRDL Project Staff
RVRDL associated Project Staff
The foundation of RVRDL was laid with a DHR grant in 2014, and by July 2015, the laboratory began operations. Over time, it has developed into a regional hub for advanced viral diagnostics, offering support for more than 30 viral pathogens using molecular and immunological techniques.
Initially focused on a limited panel, RVRDL-ICMR NIRBI now provides diagnostics for a wide range of viral infections:
It also plays a crucial role in surveillance of:
RVRDL also contributes to genomic surveillance and data
collection, supporting public health policy and intervention
strategies through research on viral evolution, genetic
characterization, and antigenic analysis.Properly collected
specimens should be submitted to the laboratory for
diagnostic testing along with a duly completed Test
Request Form. Details of the investigations
performed at RVRDL are provided in the table below.
Virus Groups | Pathogen/Disease | Specimen | Parameter Tested | Method of testing |
---|---|---|---|---|
Arboviruses | Dengue virus | Serum | NS1 antigen | ELISA |
IgM antibody | ||||
IgG antibody | ||||
Chikungunya virus | Serum | IgM antibody | ELISA | |
Viral RNA | RT-PCR | |||
Zika virus | Serum | Viral RNA | RT-PCR | |
Japanese encephalitis virus | Serum | IgM antibody | ELISA | |
Hepatitis viruses | Hepatitis A virus Hepatitis E virus |
Serum |
IgM antibody | ELISA |
Hepatitis B virus | Serum | HBsAg | ELISA | |
Hepatitis C virus | Serum | Anti HCV antibody | ELISA | |
Respiratory viruses | Influenza A - H1N1, H3N2 Influenza B - Yamagata, Victoria Respiratory Syncitial Virus - A, B Human Metapneumovirus - A1A2 Human Parainfluenza virus - 1, 2, 3, 4 Respiratory Adenovirus Rhinovirus SARS CoV- 2 |
Nasopharyngeal swab (preferable)/ Throat swab |
Viral RNA /DNA |
RT-PCR |
Exanthematous Fever Viruses | Measles Virus Rubella Virus |
Serum | IgM antibody | ELISA |
Varicella Zoster Virus | Serum/vesicular fluid | Viral DNA | PCR | |
Enteric viruses | Rotavirus | Faeces | Antigen | ELISA |
Other Pathogens | Mumps Virus Scrub typhus Leptospira |
Serum | IgM antibody | ELISA |
Herpes Simplex Virus | Serum | Viral DNA | PCR |
By ensuring strict compliance with ISO 15189 guidelines, robust documentation, adherence to SOPs, regular internal audits, continuous staff training, EQAS participation, and timely corrective actions, the laboratory achieved NABL accreditation in 2018 with three diagnostic parameters and successfully extended it to nine parameters in 2024 following satisfactory external audits.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, RVRDL-ICMR NIRBI played a central role in Eastern India's response.
RVRDL-ICMR NIRBI successfully participates in multiple
External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) programs
coordinated by national providers:
As a Regional VRDL, ICMR-NIRBI plays a key mentoring role
for 12 state and medical college - level VRDLs in its
jurisdiction. Support includes:
RVRDL also organizes hands-on training workshops in RT-PCR, serological assays, viral culture, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Continuous mentoring and troubleshooting support ensure consistent diagnostic quality across the region.
VRDLs under RVRDL-ICMR NIRBI jurisdiction include:
As a designated referral laboratory for SARS-CoV-2 ILQC, RVRDL provides quality control services for both serological and molecular assays. This ensures uniformity, reliability, and trust in diagnostic results across West Bengal.
RVRDL-ICMR NIRBI actively contributes to national and international research on viral pathogens.
As India continues to face frequent viral outbreaks, both novel and re-emerging, the role of RVRDL-ICMR NIRBI is more critical than ever. The laboratory remains committed to:
With its strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and proven record of excellence, RVRDL-ICMR NIRBI continues to serve as a pillar of support for national public health, ensuring preparedness against future epidemics and pandemics.
NICED VRDL provides facilities like Biosafety Level III, ELISA for diagnostic purposes, conventional PCR, real time PCR, sequencing and offline/ online data capture. Major equipment stationed at the NICED VRDL are Genetic Analyser/ Sequencer, BSL-2 plus laboratories, Gel imaging systems, ELISA Washer, ELISA Reader, pH Meter, Thermo-cyclers for PCR, Real-Time PCRs, Centrifuge, -800/-200 Centigrade Freezer, Walk-in cold room. A well equipped seminar room with training facilities is available.
Regional Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL)
Dr. S.C. Pal Building (NIRBI-1 Building),
ICMR - NIRBI (Formerly NICED)
P-33 C.I.T. Road Scheme - XM,
Beliaghata, Kolkata - 700010
Tel.: 033 2370 5533 / 4478 / 0448 / 2353 / 7469 Ext. 121 /
190
Email: vrdln.niced@gmail.com
Specimen collection/receiving counter:
ICMR-NIRBI Virus Laboratory,
GB4, 1st Floor, ID & BG Hospital,
Beliaghata, Kolkata - 700010