Almaty's BCP Testing: Directive Given for Adequate Supply of Reagents by Babakumarov
Rewritten Article:
Almaty's top brass recently held a meeting to discuss the city's preparedness for a potential COVID-19 surge, as reported by Almaty.tv. The gathering was attended by Almaty's Akim B. Sagintayev, Deputy Akim E. Babakumarov, the city's Department of Quality and Safety Control of Goods and Services head, and the city's Chief State Sanitary Doctor Zh. Bekshin, with the heads of 17 labs conducting COVID-19 research in attendance.
The primary agenda was to gauge the labs' readiness for a possible new wave of infections, evaluate the current situation, and ensure a steady supply of reagents for the foreseeable future.
Currently, PCR testing for COVID-19 is being carried out in 17 labs within the city, with a daily capacity of approximately 10,150 tests. Since March, an impressive 550,000 PCR tests have been executed. Plans are underway to enhance the total testing capacity to 20,000 per day.
The labs involved in PCR testing for COVID-19 are:
- Modular laboratory
- LLP "Privet Clinic Almaty"
- Branch "NCE" in Almaty city
- LLP "KDL Olymp"
- Scientific Practical Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring
- GIKB named after I. Zhekenov
- LLP "El Lab PCR"
- AO NCP and Children's Surgery Center
- LLP "Aqua Lab"
- GCP on PHV "Center for Prevention and Control of AIDS"
- LLP "Medical Partners Korea Qazaqstan"
- National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections named after M. Aikimbayev
- LLP "Nurlab-2030"
- LLP "Innosol"
- LLP "Immunotest"
- LLP "Gamma Lab"
- "National Center for Biotechnology" of NNC OI named after M. Aikimbayev
Lab heads presented their capabilities for performing both PCR and IFR tests, as well as their inventory of essential consumables. Babakumarov stressed the importance of maintaining reagent supplies for uninterrupted PCR testing during the fall-winter period, should there be an increase in demand.
Given the potential rise in travelers from abroad, the importance of swift testing at Almaty International Airport and increasing the testing of arriving passengers was highlighted. Additionally, heightened transparency in PCR diagnosis procedures for the city's populace was emphasized.
Previously, infection statistics for the metropolis included cases from suburban areas. Improving the integration of information systems is expected to boost the efficiency of monitoring tested residents and disease trends.
While specific information about the 17 Almaty labs wasn't readily available, it's worth noting that laboratories can escalate their testing capabilities through surge testing protocols during peak demand periods. Labs also use a variety of equipment and reagents for PCR testing, such as the Rotor-Gene 6,000 with AmpliSens test kits, among others. Companies like Kazzinc have even provided vital support to public health facilities by supplying essential components, which can augment a lab's capacity to execute tests. WHO guidelines and prequalification influence laboratory practices, including vaccine testing and lot release, which can impact a lab's testing capabilities. Media outlets reporting local updates or direct communication with laboratories can shed light on their current abilities.
Scientists in the 17 labs, including the Modular laboratory, LLP "Privet Clinic Almaty", and the Scientific Practical Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring, are utilizing PCR tests to monitor health-and-wellness in response to the potential surge of COVID-19 cases. The lab heads are committed to ensuring an uninterrupted supply of science-based reagents for testing during the fall-winter period.
