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Seqlo’s RT-PCR water testing kits enable rapid detection of deadly contaminants
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Wednesday, 28 January, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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Recent fatalities linked to contaminated drinking water in Noida and Indore have underscored the urgent need for faster and more accurate water testing solutions across India. The incidents have served as a wake-up call for water testing laboratories and water management authorities to adopt advanced RT-PCR–based diagnostic technologies for early detection of bacterial and viral contamination.
Clean drinking water is a fundamental human right, yet outbreaks caused by unsafe water continue to threaten public health. Addressing this challenge, Seqlo by DSS Imagetech has introduced real-time PCR–based water testing kits capable of rapidly detecting a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, with high sensitivity and accuracy.
Some of the most dangerous waterborne pathogens prevalent in India include Salmonella, Coliforms — detected in Indore’s water supply — E. coli, identified in contaminated water in Noida, as well as Shigella, Vibrio cholerae, Campylobacter jejuni, Legionella, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Hepatitis A and Enterovirus. As per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines, viruses cannot be reliably detected through conventional, time-consuming culture methods, making RT-PCR the recommended diagnostic approach.
“As concerns around water safety continue to rise across the country, deploying advanced diagnostic technologies such as RT-PCR becomes critical for early detection, timely intervention and better public health outcomes,” said Dr. Karn Pratap Singh, Senior Scientist at DSS Imagetech. “Seqlo’s water testing kits are rapid, highly sensitive and specific, cost-effective, and require minimal manpower for routine testing.”
Following Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) protocols, water samples undergo overnight enrichment before testing. Seqlo’s kits can detect bacterial contamination within 1.5 hours and viral contamination in just three hours, a significant improvement over traditional methods. In emergency situations like those witnessed in Indore and Noida, such speed can prove lifesaving.
The kits are designed to test drinking water, groundwater and industrial water, enabling comprehensive water quality surveillance. Each kit supports up to 100 tests, empowering authorities to proactively identify risks and implement preventive measures.
Seqlo’s technology is already being adopted at scale, with over 200 installations across India and international markets, serving clients such as Amul, Nestlé, Hatsun and ITC. The innovation aligns with DSS Imagetech’s broader mission to build a robust, technology-driven food and water safety ecosystem supported by indigenous manufacturing, training and service capabilities.
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