Biosafety in molecular diagnostic laboratories for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) using RT-qPCR

Abstract

The pandemic of the acute respiratory syndrome known as COVID-19 and caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has forced various laboratories around the world to redesign and strengthen their biosafety programs in order to facilitate the diagnosis of the disease and collaborate with epidemiological data for decision-making associated with mitigation and control. A combination of good laboratory practices and clearly defined procedures, supported by the adequacy of the infrastructure, are necessary to protect laboratory personnel and ensure the reproducibility of the results generated. This review shows the fundamental biosafety guidelines to be implemented in the COVID-19 diagnostic laboratories, based on RT-qPCR. The establishment of the level of biological safety to be adopted, as well as the standard operating procedures, will depend on the risk assessment derived from the intrinsic activities of the laboratory. To date, the WHO has recommended a level 2 biological safety BSL2, with intensified level 3 measures BSL3, for diagnostic activities, with practices and personal protective equipment that minimize the generation of aerosols and reduce the probability of laboratory-acquired infections. Likewise, emphasis has been placed on a workflow that takes into account the transport of the sample under international regulations and procedures for the inactivation of the virus, compatible with the diagnostic test or with protocols for surface decontamination. Despite the challenge of adapting mitigation programs against a relatively unknown pathogen such as SARS-CoV-2, it is important to highlight that the biosafety culture reduces the risks of personnel and the environment and ensures the quality of the results. generated, which make it possible to contribute significantly to achieving disease control.