Medical Equipment Research and Development Division (MERADD) is the Research and Development center of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission located in Lahore. It has recently come to light that they have successfully developed the state of the art Programmable Thermal Cyclers for carrying out the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
PCR is a revolutionary invention that is used to multiply the DNA segments at the exponential rate. This technology can be used for screening of genetic disorders and identifying cancer and pathogens.
The programmable thermal cycler PTC-15 by MERADD is designed to perform a highly accurate PCR. The PTC-15 consists of an assembly, a heated cover and an internal computer with a control algorithm. The assembly is said to be made up of a sample block, Peltier thermoelectric devices and a heat sink.
It is important to mention that MERADD is the sole manufacturer of PCR machines in Pakistan. However, the performance of MERADD PCR machines is as good as that of imported machines, but the price of MERADD PCR machines is comparatively less than the imported machines. The MERADD also has quick and cheap repair and maintenance that is easily available to the clients throughout the country.
Moreover, the Conventional PCR machines only have qualitative DNA amplification results, therefore, the R&D on the advanced PCR machine, called Real Time PCR, is also underway at MERADD that is expected to be completed in two years.
