Every day, samples are processed in two mass screening nodes. That at the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) is coordinated by CRG, while the other, at the Barcelona Science Park (PCB), is jointly coordinated by IRB Barcelona, IBEC and CNAG-CRG.
The two nodes are using the quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) technique to identify the presence of coronavirus genetic material in samples. Using this technique, the new coronavirus can be detected with high reliability in infected people, including asymptomatic individuals. These nodes are thus helping the health system to detect those carrying the infection and contributing to government decision-making for measures seeking to lift the lockdown.
“The Orfeu Programme has shown both the spirit of personal commitment of the many volunteers willing from day one to get involved in this initiative and the capacity for collaboration and joint effort between technical staff, researchers and centres to achieve maximum efficiency,” emphasises Josep Samitier, director of IBEC. “At IBEC, we have taken on this translational activity, complementary to the research activity related to COVID-19, as part of our commitment to society”.
“The Orfeu Programme has been a big challenge, as it has required unprecedented collaboration between the healthcare and research system to develop a fast-paced logistical chain,” says Luis Serrano, director of CRG. “It was worth it. The programme is an essential investment to determine those people who are infected, even though they might not have symptoms of coronavirus. This knowledge is crucial for unlocking the next phases of de-escalation of the lockdown and returning to a new normal.”
“The Orfeu Programme has shown both the spirit of personal commitment of the many volunteers willing from day one to get involved in this initiative and the capacity for collaboration and joint effort between technical staff, researchers and centres to achieve maximum efficiency,” emphasises Josep Samitier, director of IBEC. “At IBEC, we have taken on this translational activity, complementary to the research activity related to COVID-19, as part of our commitment to society”.
The CRG has published graphs that collect the number of samples registered and processed in its node to date here, as well as a graphical summary of the step-by-step of the test, which illustrates the process from sample collection to test validation. by a microbiologist in a hospital.
The COVID-19 mass screening platforms at the research centres have been supported by companies such as Tecan, Almirall, Eppendorf and Esteve, which have provided critical equipment to allow the optimisation of the programme.
