tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
J Clin Microbiol
. 2020 Jun 8;JCM.01110-20.
doi: 10.1128/JCM.01110-20. Online ahead of print.
A Public Health Laboratory Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Kanti Pabbaraju[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Anita A Wong[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Mark Douesnard[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Raymond Ma[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Kara Gill[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Paul Dieu[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Kevin Fonseca[SUP] 2 3 [/SUP], Nathan Zelyas[SUP] 4 5 [/SUP], Graham A Tipples[SUP] 4 5 6 [/SUP]
Affiliations
Abstract
An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) began in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in December 2019, and spread rapidly worldwide. The response by the Alberta Precision Laboratories, Public Health Laboratory (ProvLab), Alberta, Canada, included the development and implementation of nucleic acid detection based assays and dynamic changes in testing protocols for the identification of cases as the epidemic curve increased exponentially. This rapid response was essential to slow down and contain transmission and provide valuable time to the local health authorities to prepare appropriate response strategies. As of May 24, 2020, 236,077 specimens were tested with 6475 (2.74%) positives detected in the province of Alberta, Canada. Several commercial assays are now available; however, the response from commercial vendors to develop and market validated tests is a time-consuming process. In addition, the massive global demand made it difficult to secure a reliable commercial supply of testing kits and reagents.A public health laboratory serves a unique and important role in the delivery of health care. One of its functions is to anticipate and prepare for novel emerging pathogens with a plan for pandemic preparedness. Here we outline the response that involved the development and deployment of testing methodologies that evolved as SARS-CoV-2 spread world-wide, the challenges encountered, and mitigation strategies. We also provide insight into the organizational structure of how a public health response is coordinated in Alberta and its benefits.
. 2020 Jun 8;JCM.01110-20.
doi: 10.1128/JCM.01110-20. Online ahead of print.
A Public Health Laboratory Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Kanti Pabbaraju[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Anita A Wong[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Mark Douesnard[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Raymond Ma[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Kara Gill[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Paul Dieu[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Kevin Fonseca[SUP] 2 3 [/SUP], Nathan Zelyas[SUP] 4 5 [/SUP], Graham A Tipples[SUP] 4 5 6 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 32513860
- DOI: 10.1128/JCM.01110-20
Abstract
An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) began in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in December 2019, and spread rapidly worldwide. The response by the Alberta Precision Laboratories, Public Health Laboratory (ProvLab), Alberta, Canada, included the development and implementation of nucleic acid detection based assays and dynamic changes in testing protocols for the identification of cases as the epidemic curve increased exponentially. This rapid response was essential to slow down and contain transmission and provide valuable time to the local health authorities to prepare appropriate response strategies. As of May 24, 2020, 236,077 specimens were tested with 6475 (2.74%) positives detected in the province of Alberta, Canada. Several commercial assays are now available; however, the response from commercial vendors to develop and market validated tests is a time-consuming process. In addition, the massive global demand made it difficult to secure a reliable commercial supply of testing kits and reagents.A public health laboratory serves a unique and important role in the delivery of health care. One of its functions is to anticipate and prepare for novel emerging pathogens with a plan for pandemic preparedness. Here we outline the response that involved the development and deployment of testing methodologies that evolved as SARS-CoV-2 spread world-wide, the challenges encountered, and mitigation strategies. We also provide insight into the organizational structure of how a public health response is coordinated in Alberta and its benefits.