DEVELOPMENT OF A MOLECULAR NETWORK LABORATORY TESTING SERVICE SYSTEM FOR EMERGING AND RE-EMERGING DISEASES FOR THE DETECTION OF CORONAVIRUS 2019 (SARS-COV-2) USING THE REAL TIME RT-PCR METHOD AT PHON THONG HOSPITAL, ROI ET PROVINCIAL PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE

Abstract

This research was a study of the research and development model aimed at developing a molecular network laboratory testing service system for emerging and re-emerging diseases, particularly the detection of coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) by the Real-time RT-PCR method at Phon Thong Hospital in Roi Et Province. The main goal was to strengthen the potential of the public health system in Roi Et Province and develop operational guidelines that could effectively support the outbreak of the disease at the community hospital level. The system was designed to meet the standards of the Department of Medical Sciences and align with international standards. The study collected data from patients and staff involved in the testing process to assess the efficiency and speed of the testing system. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed between June 10, 2021, and September 30, 2023.

The results showed that Phon Thong Hospital launched Real-Time RT-PCR testing services to detect SARS-CoV-2. Within 1 month, Phon Thong Hospital was fully prepared and ready to provide services. It supported 200-300 samples per day, with an average Turnaround Time (TAT) of only 3-4 hours, and could report results within 24 hours. The development and opening of this laboratory service helped reduce the waiting time for test results, which had previously taken 48-72 hours. It also helped reduce the workload of the Medical Science Center 7, Khon Kaen, allowing for faster disease outbreak management.

This study demonstrated the importance of developing a Real-Time RT-PCR laboratory in community hospitals, which not only improved the efficiency of COVID-19 diagnosis but it also helps to enhance the efficiency in controlling the spread of disease at the community level. and enhanced the ability to manage the local public health system effectively