Mangaluru : The new virology research and diagnostic laboratory set up at the district Wenlock hospital here began its official functioning from Tuesday, April 7, receiving 10 samples to detect the novel coronavirus in them.

The laboratory, which started its trial run on April 1, has gone through the mandatory scrutiny of the government and has received permission from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to carry out coronavirus tests.

Set up at a cost of Rs 60 lakhs, the laboratory has the capacity to conduct 80 to 100 tests per day.

The laboratory is headed by nodal officer Dr Sharath and staffed with microbiologist Dr E Madhusoodanan, chief technologist Ashok and three more technicians.

The lab will receive the test report on the same day.