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Lab-in-a-van: Rapid SARS-CoV-2 testing response with a mobile laboratory
Susan A Ballard1, Maryza Graham2, Debra David1
1Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
Ebiomedicine
|April 11, 2022
Summary
A mobile laboratory, the LabVan, significantly reduced COVID-19 testing turnaround times in Victoria, Australia. This rapid point-of-care testing facilitated faster public health responses during outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Diagnostics
- Mobile Health Technology
Background:
- COVID-19 control in Victoria, Australia relied on high testing rates and rapid contact tracing.
- A mobile laboratory (LabVan) was deployed for rapid SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics at critical sites.
- The LabVan's design, implementation, and performance were benchmarked against a central laboratory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the design and implementation of a mobile laboratory for rapid COVID-19 diagnostics.
- To evaluate the performance of the mobile laboratory in terms of turnaround time.
- To compare the mobile laboratory's efficiency with a central reference laboratory.
Main Methods:
- A BSL2 compliant laboratory was constructed within a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Panel Van.
- On-site collection teams used mobile tablets for sample registration.
- The Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay was used for testing, with results reported via HL7 messaging.
Main Results:
- Pilot trial showed a median turnaround time of 1:19 h:mm for the LabVan versus 9:40 h:mm for the central laboratory.
- During outbreaks, the LabVan's median turnaround time was 2:18 h:mm compared to 19:08 h:mm for the central laboratory.
- No quality control issues were identified with the LabVan.
Conclusions:
- The LabVan is an ISO15189 compliant mobile testing facility.
- It significantly reduces turnaround time for SARS-CoV-2 result reporting.
- This facilitates rapid public health actions during infectious disease outbreaks.