Ways to scale up the Republic of Moldova’s testing capacity for SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, were examined during a visit from a WHO technical team to support the country’s pandemic response.
The team worked with national experts to review the activity of the national laboratory network and analyse current and future national COVID-19 testing strategies and management issues. The team also explained in detail the WHO testing algorithms for seasonal influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
“Good laboratory practices, quality control and accurate results are essential in the laboratory testing process, which is a crucial part of our response to COVID-19,” said Mr Constantin Rîmiș, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova. He thanked WHO for its continuous technical support and recommendations to scale up national laboratory capacities.
Regular laboratory checks crucial to COVID-19 response
To understand the context in which they were working, WHO Technical Officer Dr Golubinka Boshevska visited 3 laboratories engaged in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the country: the National Influenza Centre (NIC) within the National Public Health Agency, the Laboratory of the Regional Public Health Centre in Cahul in the south of the country, and one private laboratory in the capital city of Chisinau.
The team observed the organizational aspects of COVID-19 testing settings from the moment tests arrive in the laboratories through to when results are discharged. “It is crucial to check and verify the work of laboratory experts on a regular basis,” noted Dr Ala Halacu, Chief of the Public Health Laboratory Diagnostic Department of the National Public Health Agency.
The visit was organized by the WHO Balkan Health Emergencies Hub and the WHO Country Office in the Republic of Moldova with support from WHO/Europe’s laboratory team, following a request from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection. Its aim was to analyse and identify gaps in the laboratory system and develop a set of recommendations for strengthening laboratory testing capacities and strategies according to WHO interim guidelines. The team also provided technical support to improve testing turnaround times, as well as on-the-job training.
Rapid detection and an adjusted testing strategy
The team presented the WHO position regarding the use of rapid tests to identify the SARS-CoV-2 antigen during a working meeting at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection. Participants discussed incorporating this method into the national testing strategy, along with the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
The adjusted testing strategy for COVID-19, which is currently being developed, will allow for the diversification of investigation methods and increase access to testing for people suspected of having COVID-19. Dr Boshevska highlighted the importance of using validated tests to rapidly detect and confirm SARS-CoV-2 cases, and of ensuring real-time implementation of containment and preventive measures.
WHO will provide further guidance to the Republic of Moldova to strengthen the national laboratory system in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, enhance networking among laboratories responsible for public health, and improve surveillance and response systems.