Called real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) machine, it is a sensitive equipment which identifies chikungunya, JE, dengue and some other viruses with 45 minutes.

But the SGPCI authorities have not obtained certain kits, nor have they been able to decide the rates that should be charged from patients.

While the machine lies idle, samples continue to be tested by the old, gel-based PCR. “Gel-based PCR takes anything between five hours to days for giving results which are not that accurate,” said Dr TN Dhole, head of Microbiology Department of SGPGI. “Real-time PCR takes hardly 45 minutes to give accurate results.”

Explaining the situation, he said sometimes, a particular virus is suspected, but the results are negative when gel-based PCR or enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) test is used. These tests, he said, are simply not that accurate. “Even today, I am sending reports of two patients as negative for herpes encephalitis, even though I know the results would have been different had we been using RT-PCR,” he said.

In the absence of prompt, accurate detection, the patient keeps getting symptomatic treatment, which may or may not be correct.

The machine has cost the SGPGI around Rs 15 lakh and the experts say that it is the best such equipment in the state. Dhole said they hadn’t been able to use the machine due to “lack of co-ordination”. “Despite having the technology, we cannot use it as the decision about the rates for the tests and other formalities might take another few months when the committee formally sits,” he said.

Dr AK Bhatt, Chief Medical Superintendent, said he has not received any complaint about the machine remaining unused. “Our Microbiology Department looks after the laboratory. They know best about the equipments and their procurement,” he said.

Dr KN Prasad, who looks after procurement for the institute, said the committee which finalises the rates and the kind of tests that can be done on RT-PCR will meet in “around one month”. But if the Microbiology Department feels that there is an urgency, then they should write to the hospital administration, he said.

The patients, meanwhile, continue to suffer.

Around 15 days ago, four-year-old Ayush Pathak was admitted in the institute with complaints of seizures, fever and bouts of unconsciousness.

Doctors suspected herpes encephalitis or dengue, but the Microbiology Department sent a report that they could not identify the virus.

The illnesses of 43-year-old Rajesh Chandra and 17-year-old Abhinandan Mallik also remain unidentified.