Assignment Task: MGI Easy Nucleic Acid Extraction Kit

Introduction

Biogroup was initially owned by a French group and exclusively managed by biologists, leveraging their business knowledge and professionalism as core strengths. The company`s innovation, excellence, and shared values of expertise and proximity enhanced diagnostic efficiency, facilitating faster patient treatment. Founded by Dr. Stephane Eimer in 1998, Biogroup expanded its operations to the UK in 2020, amid the global challenge posed by Covid-19. During the pandemic, Biogroup established clinics and a pathology laboratory in London, initially focusing on SARS-COV-2 testing (RT-PCR) and antibody testing, processing approximately 7000 to 8000 samples daily. This assignment details the process of performing qualitative Real-time PCR analysis to detect the presence of SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) viral RNA in patient respiratory samples, utilizing the BioRad CFX96 Real-time PCR detection system and MGISP-960 automatic nucleic acid extraction instrument.

The Eurobio Plex EBX-041 diagnostic kit is employed for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 through reverse-transcription and real-time amplification of extracted RNA material using specific primers for target protein genes of the viral genome.

The RT-PCR method detects three specific genes: RNA-dependent RNA polymerase target genes RdRp1 gene and RdRp2 gene, and target 3 on the N gene. The presence of the SARS-CoV-2 gene is detected with specific probes of each target, labeled respectively with FAM (RdRp1 gene), HEX (RdRp2 gene), and Texas red (N gene). The fluorescence emitted by the probes during the extension phase of RT-PCR correlates with the accumulation of amplification products.

Equipment used in detecting SARS-COV-2 at Biogroup laboratory:

• Biosafety cabinets
• Centrifuges
• Hamilton Vantage for sample extraction
• MGI for the whole PCR extraction process
• CFX -thermal cycler to check real-time amplification
• Vita machines

Detection of Covid 19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While most infected individuals experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover with medication, older people and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of developing severe illness. Initially, the death rate was high, with the UK government recording 315409,116 COVID-19 cases in the United Kingdom. Common symptoms include fever, cough, loss of taste and smell, headache, and difficulty in breathing.

Activities:

• Receipt and checking of samples and request forms
• Labeling samples and forms with unique identifiers
• Entering patient details into the laboratory information management system (LIMS)
• Liaising with users regarding errors in identification
• Maintaining high work standards and adherence to safety procedures
• Following laboratory procedures as per standard operating procedures (SOP)
• Assisting in training new starters
• Carrying out duties within the molecular department as required

Work Flowchart:

• Receipt of the sample, plate plan, and sampling
• Reagent preparation
• Launching of MGI
• Preparation of Master mix
• CFX launch
• Validation
• Results Export

Achievements:

During the placement year, significant improvements were made in communication and interpersonal skills, evidenced by continuous shifts during busy periods and acknowledgment for dedication and hard work. Good documentation practices were learned and maintained, alongside completion of training and online certification courses related to HB compliance. Responsibilities included providing training to new technicians, assisting senior teams and biologists, and ensuring equipment maintenance and cleaning. Additionally, assistance was provided in clinical and clerical duties, enhancing overall efficiency.