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Remote Laboratory Management for Respiratory Virus Diagnostics

Elena V. Petrova1, Vasanthi Avadhanula2, Sarah Michel1, Karen E. Gincoo2, Pedro A. Piedra2, Sharmila Anandasabapathy1

Abstract

An uptick in recent pandemics (Ebola, Zika, MERS, Influenza, etc.) underlines the need for a more 'nimble', coordinated response that addresses a multitude of issues ranging from transportation, access, facilities, equipment, and communication to provider training. To address this need, we have developed an innovative, scalable, logistics-enhanced, mobile, laboratory facility for emergencies and epidemics in resource-constrained global settings. Utilizing our background in clinical operations as an academic medical center, we designed a rapidly-deployable, modular BSL-2 and BSL-3 facility with user-friendly software for tracking and management of drugs and supplies in remote regions during epidemics and outbreaks. Here, we present our intermodal, mobile, expandable shipping-container laboratory units. The design of the laboratory facilitates off-grid usage by minimizing power consumption and allowing alternate water sources. The unit's information communication technology (ICT) platform provides (i) user-friendly tablet-based documentation, (ii) enhanced tracking of patients and supplies, as well as (iii) integrated communication onsite with built-in telehealth capabilities. To ensure quality in remote environments, we have developed a checklist for basic laboratory workflow and a protocol for respiratory viral diagnosis using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). As described, our innovative and comprehensive approach allows for the provision of laboratory capability in resource-limited global environments.

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