Contribution of the Advanced Research Laboratories at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) to SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Ghana

• DOI: 10.4236/health.2022.141010
• Publication Date: 2022-01-25T06:35:06Z
• Authors: Darius N. K. Quansah; Ivy A. Asante; Evelyn Y. Bonney; Evangeline Obodai; Mildred A. Adusei...; James Aboagye; Susan Adu-Amankwah; Samuel Adjei; Richard Akuffo; Helena Lamptey; George B. Kyei; John K. Odoom; William K. Ampofo; Joseph H. K. Bonney
• Keywords: Medical laboratory

In March 2020, the first cases of SARS-CoV-2 were reported in Accra, Ghana. These initial diagnosed at Advanced Research Laboratories (ARL) Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical (NMIMR), University The ARL which hitherto was used routine clinical research viral, bacteria and immunological studies has since been facility choice testing all suspected COVID-19 submitted from across Ghana beyond. success hinged on availability several laboratory spaces furnished with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment working aids. During “peak season” where overwhelming numbers specimens received, processed got results close to four thousand samples daily. After general disinfection re-bagging into smaller numbers, entrance ARL, are taken a central receiving laboratory, they received entered database accompanying case investigation forms. All that successfully sorted matched sent laboratories nucleic acid extraction then referred Instrumentation real time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). When RT-PCRs completed, analysed transmitted via email and/or local network data reporting office. managers investigators Health Service (GHS). Additionally, provided next-generation Genome Sequencing platform partnership West African Centre Cell Biology Infectious Pathogens Ghana, essential genome circulating variants Conclusively, it is worth noting, NMIMR fulfilled its mandate supporting country specialized diagnostics through judicious use testing, sample receipt reporting. faculty have trained continue train budding biosafety, biosecurity, best practices protocols. It obvious story cannot be complete without mention NMIMR.