Operationalization of COVID-19 Rapid Diagnosis Using Xpert® Xpress SARS CoV-2 Assay in Resource-Limited Settings: Early Implementation Lessons From Uganda
Loading...
Date
2021
Authors
Nsawotebba, Andrew
Ibanda, Ivan
Ssentalo Bagaya, Bernard
Nyombi, Abdunoor
Kagirita, Atek
Tugumisirize, Didas
Mujuni, Dennis
Majwala, Robert Kaos
Ocen, Francis
Kabugo, Joel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Square
Abstract
The novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes
COVID-19 disease is a global challenge. Several countries have adopted testing, isolation, and tracing
strategy towards the control of the COVID-19 pandemic, but access to rapid and accurate testing is still a
global challenge. The conventional PCR – based assay is the most commonly used test yet it has huge
costs, infrastructural, and procurement logistical challenges. The Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2 test is an
automated in – vitro diagnostic test for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 within
a turnaround time of 60 minutes on the widely used GeneXpert Dx Instrument Systems. Here we
document the best practices and challenges encountered with the operationalization of Xpert® Xpress
SARS-CoV-2 testing in a resource-limited setting.
Materials and Methods: The Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2 implementation followed an operational work
plan that included; Laboratory COVID-19 policy and planning, situational analysis of the Laboratory
network, country Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay verification, and rollout at Mutukula Port Health
Laboratory. The Laboratory strategy was based on a set of six objectives; conducting infrastructural
modifications, building a strong COVID-19 testing capacity, developing robust Laboratory Quality and
Information Management Systems, establishing a Bio-risk management and Bio-banking capacity.
Description
Keywords
COVID-19, Xpert® Xpress SARS CoV-2, Rapid diagnosis, Resource-Limited Settings, Implementation
Citation
Nsawotebba, A., Ibanda, I., Ssewanyana, I., Bagaya, B. S., Nyombi, A., Kagirita, A., ... & Ssengooba, W. (2021). Operationalization of COVID-19 Rapid Diagnosis Using Xpert® Xpress SARS CoV-2 Assay in Resource-Limited Settings: Early Implementation Lessons From Uganda. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-154102/v1