Details of Covid-19 testing process in Nghe An
(Baonghean.vn) - During the sample extraction process in the negative pressure room, technicians are not allowed to eat, drink, or go to the bathroom. Some even have to wear adult diapers.
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| The molecular biology testing lab of the Nghe An Province Center for Disease Control is testing samples from people who have shown signs of close contact with sick people and people returning from epidemic areas. Photo: Thanh Cuong |
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There are 9 people working at the Labo, divided into 3 extraction groups, 1 MIX group, 1 reading group. Every day, the Molecular Biology Labo receives over 300 samples, with the peak time receiving thousands of patient samples. Photo: Thanh Cuong |
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| The collected specimens are sorted, classified, and then transferred to a negative pressure room for RNA extraction (RNA is a copy of a segment of DNA (corresponding to a gene). In addition, in some viruses, RNA is the genetic material). Photo: Thanh Cuong |
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| The sample extraction room is the most dangerous room because technicians work directly with the source of infection, so the laboratory is performed according to a one-way process under negative pressure to avoid cross-contamination. Photo: Thanh Cuong |
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| Here, technicians will process the samples in a level 2 biosafety cabinet. After breaking the cell membrane to eliminate the risk of infection, the samples will continue to be extracted,... to collect RNA. Photo: Thanh Cuong |
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| Technicians must wear protective gear throughout the entire process. They must not leave the room until the procedure is completed. During the sample extraction process in the negative pressure room, technicians are not allowed to eat, drink, or go to the bathroom. Some even have to wear adult diapers. Photo: Thanh Cuong |
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| The process of extracting a batch of specimens takes about 5 hours. After extraction, the RNA is obtained and the sample is transferred to the PCR room (also known as the molecular biology laboratory, to give the most accurate results). Photo: Thanh Cuong |
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| In parallel with the RNA extraction team in the negative pressure room, the mixing team is also concentrating on working. Photo: Thanh Cuong |
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| The job requires high concentration to avoid confusing different samples. Photo: Thanh Cuong |
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| The technician transfers the collected RNA sample to the PCR room to put it into the gene amplifier to read the results. Photo: Thanh Cuong |
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At first, Labo used a mini reader provided by the sponsor, which could read 3 samples at a time. Currently, with the newly equipped machine, it can read 96 samples at a time. On average, Labo processes more than 300 samples per day, with the highest point being 599 samples. Photo: Thanh Cuong |