The Control and Control Center for Corona Virus Control in Dubai reported that the method of examining samples taken from suspects with Covid 19 is (RT-PCR) using the SARS-Cove 2 examination tool, and the PCR must include a test for at least two genes, provided that the test results are issued in Within 48 hours max.
The Center emphasized the assurance of the quality control required for RNA extraction and compliance with RT-PCR protocols in accordance with manufacturing guidelines and compliance with required preventive maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.
Regarding the interpretation of the examination result, the center explained that it is important to take into account that the result may be affected by the stage of infection, quality and type of sample collected for the test, and therefore the result must be related to the patient's medical history and clinical presentation, and the interpretation of the results must conform to the instructions of the National Emergency Management Authority Crises and disasters, for the interpretation of the PCR test.
The Center for Control and Control in Dubai put 3 possibilities for the results of Covid's checks 19 for any suspicious person: positive SARS Cove 2 test, or negative meaning that the person is not infected, and the third case is (presumably positive) and in this case only one of the multiple genes is isolated or it is possible Viral load should be low. Here, the sample should be repeated within 72 hours with clinical observation.
The center indicated that the results of the examination must be entered into the electronic (immunity) system immediately, and that laboratories and facilities are obligated to inform the patients of the result of the examination, and the patient must be informed of the negative test results by text message, either if the test results are positive, then the patient or guardian must be informed Through a phone call and a text message within 24 hours of the interpretation of the result, this patient is given instructions for self-isolation and instructions for infection control, and the patient is informed that he will be contacted by the public health team for further evaluation and management.
On the management of infectious waste in laboratories, the center stressed that all approved testing facilities comply with Dubai Health Authority standards for managing and disposing of infectious waste, and accredited testing facilities must have a policy for proper disposal of waste including biological and respiratory waste treatment and surface disinfection, and Disposal of laboratory waste through the Medical Waste Management Company.
Center 4 set conditions for keeping the sample in the laboratory: that negative (undetected) and (virtual positive) samples are stored in the refrigerator (2-8 ° C) for a period of three days before disposal, and store positive (discovered) samples at a temperature - 20 ° C or -70 ° C for two weeks before being sent to the Latifa Hospital Virus Laboratory. High security and safety measures for stored samples must be implemented. Samples must be clearly labeled and this label should include patient details, medical file number and demographic information.