Preparedness of Biomolecular Laboratories for Detecting Emerging Pathogens: Insights from the COVID-19 Pandemic Experiences at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute

Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory Preparedness

Abstract

         In December 2019, the novel coronavirus or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reported as the cause of the unidentified pneumonia (now known as COVID-19) in Wuhan City, Republic of China. Since then disease has spread to all other parts of the world. Laboratory investigation is very useful for diagnosing and monitoring patients, including information for disease control and prevention. The World Health Organization has recommended the nucleic acid amplification test for COVID-19 virus screening for patients under investigation. In addition, the Thai government requested cooperation from all provinces to implement the One Province One Laboratory policy. The laboratory preparedness for real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) technique had to be urgently set up to meet the laboratory standard workflow and safety arrangement in compliance with the biosafety level 2 enhanced practices for dangerous pathogens in risk group 3 during the global pandemic. In implementing a quality management for laboratory design, the spaces were divided and designated for pre-PCR activities including reagent preparation and nucleic acid extraction rooms, and amplification and detection room with the real-time PCR machine as well as result analyses in the post-PCR area. In conclusion, two systems of molecular platform were proposed: semi-automation and fully automation. The experiences in PCR technique and laboratory safety management could be
further applied to other biomolecular laboratories for detecting other emerging infectious pathogens classified in risk group 3.