Introduction:

The VRDL is a central sector (CS) scheme started in Department of Microbiology, Government Thiruvarur Medical College ,Thiruvarur, Tamilnadu in the year 2019.
Objectives of the Scheme:

1. Creating infrastructure for timely identification of viruses and other agents causing morbidity significant at public health level and specifically agents causing epidemics and/ or potential agents for bioterrorism.
2. Developing capacity for identification of novel and unknown viruses and other organisms and emerging/ re-emerging viral strains and develop diagnostic kits.
3. Providing training to health professionals.
4. Undertaking research for identification of emerging & newer genetically active/modified agents.
5. Continual improvement in quality systems in public health laboratories for viral diagnosis.  

Status of the Scheme:

The scheme is envisaged to coverage of the entire country for timely diagnosis / identification of viruses during outbreaks of epidemics, generation of data about viral diseases for facilitating quick deployment of resources & measures to save human lives. As on 31st March , a network of 161 VRDLs (11 Regional Level, 27 State Level and 123 Medical College Level) has been established. 

Functions of the virology lab:

Ours being a medical college lab is situated in the Department of Microbiology, equipped with BSL- 2 facility and carries out serology & RT-PCR testing, covering around 3-4 districts. In case of any outbreak / epidemic, the lab will carry out the initial diagnosis/ screening at the most peripheral areas & nearest to the site of outbreak and is expected to identify all listed common viruses, the viruses/agents which cannot be identified by our labs will be referred to State Level Laboratory. Our VRDL has played a major role in diagnostics in COVID-19 Pandemic and dengue testing serving more than 4 districts.