Challenges and achievements in implementing COVID-19 molecular diagnosis at the Federal University of Pernambuco

• Autor(a) principal: Pereira, Michelly Cristiny
• Data de Publicação: 2021
• Outros Autores: Rosa, Michelle Melgarejo da, Cunha, Eudes Gustavo Constantino, Gonçalves, Sayonara Maria Calado, Albuquerque, Amanda Pinheiro de Barros, Carvalho, Vanessa Mylenna Florêncio de, Silva, Rômulo Pessoa e, Júnior, Eraldo Fonseca dos Santos, Oliveira, Priscilla Stela Santana de, Almeida, Anderson Rodrigues de, Militão, Gardenia Carmen Gadelha, Duarte, Filipe Silveira, Carvalho, Lidiane Vasconcelos do Nascimento, Paula, Simão Kalebe Silva de, Gomes, João Victor de Melo, Garcia, Paula Sandrin, Araujo, Breno Caldas de, Guimarães, Rafael Lima, Gomes, Alfredo Macedo, Cavalcanti, Mariana Brayner, Rêgo, Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo, Pitta, Maira Galdino da Rocha
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Estudos Universitários (Online)
• Texto Completo: https://periodicos.ufpe.br/revistas/index.php/estudosuniversitarios/article/view/250941
• topic: molecular diagnosis; COVID-19; public health; public university; diagnóstico molecular; Covid-19; saúde pública; universidade pública

Extensive population testing is one of the most effective ways to control the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), in partnership with other public institutions, provided infrastructure and services to carry out new Coronavirus molecular testing, thus expanding population testing in Pernambuco. This article reports UFPE’s experience in implementing the molecular test for the detection of COVID-19, as well as the results achieved. To implement it, articulations were needed between the University’s Chancellor’s office, Dean Office of Research and Innovation, Executive Board of Infrastructure (Sinfra) and Agency for University Development (Fade), as well as professors from various departments. The laboratory setting was carried out in accordance with the norms and guidelines of a Resolution from the Collegiate Board/National Health Surveillance Agency. Thermocyclers for RT-qPCR, ultra-freezers and other inputs were quoted and purchased in a short period of time, considering the difficulties in purchasing and importing products. After training, implementing quality control and proficiency tests with certification, the laboratory began testing. In just under a year, UFPE delivered 89.000 reports on the COVID-19 molecular diagnosis. During the implementation process, the urgency for structural adjustment and the delay in the arrival of inputs were the main difficulties encountered. The cooperation between UFPE, the state of Pernambuco and federal ministerial institutions for structuring a support laboratory for the COVID-19 diagnosis can be followed as a model, because it proved to be effective considering the number of tests performed with reliability, in the short period elapsed, to provide timely support to public managers in decision-making.