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Updated: Dec 18, 2025
Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics
Published on: April 6, 2019
A Public Health Laboratory Response to the Pandemic
Kanti Pabbaraju1, Anita A Wong2, Mark Douesnard2
1Alberta Precision Laboratories, Public Health Laboratory, Calgary, Alberta, Canada kanti.pabbaraju@albertaprecisionlabs.ca.
Insights
Alberta Precision Laboratories rapidly developed and deployed COVID-19 testing assays during the pandemic. This public health response was crucial for case identification and controlling the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Area of Science:
- Public Health Laboratory Science
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, emerged in late 2019, necessitating rapid public health interventions.
- Alberta Precision Laboratories (ProvLab) played a key role in Alberta, Canada's response to the escalating epidemic.
- Global demand for testing kits and reagents posed significant supply chain challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the development and deployment of SARS-CoV-2 testing methodologies by a public health laboratory.
- To detail the challenges encountered and mitigation strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic response.
- To provide insights into the organizational structure and benefits of public health coordination in Alberta, Canada.
Main Methods:
- Development and implementation of nucleic acid detection-based assays for SARS-CoV-2.
- Dynamic adaptation of testing protocols in response to increasing case numbers.
- Coordination of public health laboratory response within Alberta, Canada.
Main Results:
- Over 236,000 specimens were tested in Alberta by May 24, 2020, with a 2.74% positivity rate.
- Rapid deployment of testing capabilities helped contain transmission and informed health authority strategies.
- Public health laboratories demonstrated a critical role in pandemic preparedness and response.
Conclusions:
- Public health laboratories are essential for anticipating and responding to emerging infectious diseases.
- Agile development and deployment of diagnostic assays are vital during pandemics.
- Effective coordination within public health systems enhances pandemic response capabilities.
Abstract:
An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [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), AB, 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 6,475 (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 worldwide, the challenges encountered, and mitigation strategies. We also provide insight into the organizational structure of how a public health response is coordinated in Alberta, Canada, and its benefits.
