Emergency establishment of a SARS-CoV-2 test center at an academic laboratory in the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina

H. SALOMÓN; F. REMES LENICOV; J. GEFFNER

Milán

Conferencia; IFCC Virtual Conference: Critical Role of Clinical Laboratories in COVID-19 Pandemic; 2021

International Federation of Clinical Chemistry

Since December 2019 the epidemic of COVID-19 rapidly spread around the globe. The first confirmed case in Argentina appeared on March 3 rd . On March 20 th , restrictions were imposed in Argentina including suspension of scientific research. In this context, we decided to transform our research institute at the University of Buenos Aires into a test center for SARS-CoV-2. Research labs were reorganized into working stations for sample processing. Biosafety cabinets and real-time PCR cyclers were borrowed from other research institutes. SARS-CoV-2-specific biosafety protocols were developed and implemented. On April 7 th the first samples were processed.Ph.D. students, technicians and investigators from our institute and others volunteered for lab work.Volunteer students from the Faculty of Medicine collaborated in administrative and support tasks.Supervision was in charge of clinical laboratory professionals, who faced the challenge of trainingresearch-oriented workers in clinical laboratory procedures, regulation compliance, quality control and sample traceability.From April to November, we performed more than 180000 PCR tests and 20000 serologic tests. At the peak of the epidemic in our region we performed up to 1800 tests daily. We delivered PCR results in less than 24 hours, becoming the choice test center for track and trace government programs. Furthermore, we became an important contributor to federal regulatory agencies in the testing of COVID-19 diagnostic kits.Overall, the experience was found educative and fulfilling for all participants involved. It wasdemonstrated that institutions from academia can provide timely and valuable collaboration to thehealth system in a time of emergency.