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Preparing for Ebolavirus disease: specimen collection, packaging and transport
Sheena Adamson1, Roger Wilson, Greg James
11Health Protection, NSW Health, North Sydney 2NSW Health Pathology, Chatswood 3Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute for Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Pathology West, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
Pathology
|July 1, 2015
Summary
New protocols ensure safe handling and transport of Ebolavirus specimens in Australian laboratories. This addresses the risk of imported Ebolavirus disease, enhancing public health preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health Laboratory Science
Background:
- Ebolavirus is a Risk Group 4 pathogen requiring stringent laboratory safety measures.
- International regulations classify Ebolavirus specimens as Dangerous Goods for transport.
- The 2014 West Africa outbreak highlighted the need for specific protocols in Australia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and implement risk management protocols for Ebolavirus testing in NSW.
- To ensure safe specimen collection, packaging, and transport.
- To prepare pathology laboratories for potential imported Ebolavirus cases.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of a task force led by NSW Health Pathology and Health Protection NSW.
- Development of specific risk management protocols for Ebolavirus testing.
- Agreement on standardized procedures for specimen handling by public and private laboratories.
Main Results:
- Rapid implementation of agreed-upon risk management protocols.
- Defined procedures for specimen collection, packaging, and transport.
- Enhanced preparedness of NSW pathology laboratories for Ebolavirus detection.
Conclusions:
- Effective risk management protocols were successfully implemented for Ebolavirus testing.
- Collaborative efforts ensured standardized and safe handling of high-risk specimens.
- These measures strengthen Australia's capacity to manage potential Ebolavirus disease outbreaks.
