Even as the health department of Tamil Nadu is taking all measures of medical surveillance against H1N1 virus, a city based diagnostic lab has come forward with the introduction of screening and confirmatory test for H1N1 flu.

Hitech Diagnostic Centre, a 25-year-old Clinical Reference Laboratory specializing in PCR (polymerase chain reaction) Tests, is the agency that approached the city Corporation and the airports offering to perform the screening tests that will give results in 30 minutes. According to them the tests have been developed on Roche Light Cycler using Real Time PCR method, recommended by CDC, Atlanta, USA.

Dr S P Ganesan, medical director of Hitech Diagnostics said since it has the possibility of becoming a major epidemic, the need for proper screening and diagnosis is necessary. The Centre will first screen suspected patients, and if any positive results are confirmed by Real Time PCR, it will be immediately intimated to the state authorities for further follow up and treatment. He said that only by identification and voluntary isolation, the spread of the disease can be controlled.

Meanwhile, the state health department has kept ready one helpline at the Directorate of Public Health headquarters in the city as part of the surveillance measures. Dr S Elango, director of public health said the system would help the public to alert officials in case of symptoms or suspected cases found. The Directorate has brought out a booklet on ' frequently asked questions' about the latest flu. The Director further said the state government has informed the centre of the measures taken by it.

Ever since the surveillance started, more than 300 aircraft had been screened in the airports in Chennai, Trichy and Coimbatore. At sea ports of Tuticorin and Chennai, about 800 crew members of cargo ships were also screened.

With the help of district health authorities and Deans of medical colleges, isolation wards were kept ready for medical attention in case flu symptoms were reported, Dr Elango said.