Lab-in-a-van: Rapid SARS-CoV-2 testing response with a mobile laboratory.

ABSTRACT:

Background

High testing rates and rapid contact tracing have been key interventions to control COVID-19 in Victoria, Australia. A mobile laboratory (LabVan), for rapid SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics, was deployed at sites deemed critical by the Victorian State Department of Health as part of the response. We describe the process of design, implementation, and performance benchmarked against a central reference laboratory.

Methods

A BSL2 compliant laboratory, complete with a class II biological safety cabinet, was built within a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Panel Van. Swabs were collected by on-site collection teams, registered using mobile internet-enabled tablets and tested using the Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay. Results were reported remotely via HL7 messaging to Public Health Units.

SUBMITTER: Ballard SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8989475 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature