The Country Office of the World Health Organization in Turkmenistan, together with UNDP, conducted a two-day training course for laboratory specialists in the country on the use of the GeneXpert platform apparatus for testing for SARS-CoV-2, according to WHO social networks.
The GeneXpert platform devices are recommended by WHO as one of the rapid molecular genetic testing method for SARS-CoV-2. The device operates using a disposable cartridge, completely isolated from the environment. This reduces the risk of contamination and allows the device to be used in ordinary rooms, without setting up a full-scale PCR laboratory.
GeneXpert cartridges are currently used worldwide to diagnose tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance (as recommended by WHO), hepatitis C and seasonal influenza, and to determine the viral load in HIV.
In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and the associated need for automated rapid diagnostic technologies, WHO has approved the use of GeneXpert in the diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the dangerous infectious disease COVID-19.
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