Lab technicians, the invisible Covid warriors

Sukshma.R@timesgroup.com

Madurai:  4.5.2020

Though largely invisible and working behind the scenes, scientists and lab technicians are among the frontline workers in fight against Covid-19. Equipped to process up to 1,000 samples per day, the 21-member Covid-19 testing team at the Virus Research Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) in Madurai Medical College (MMC) say the lab has tested around 12,000 samples so far.

The virology lab at MMC, which was cleared to start Covid-19 testing by March 25, has been receiving samples from five different districts. The team consists of VRDL staff, Multi-Disciplinary Research Laboratory (MRL) staff and microbiology post graduates.

“First we had only five members in the testing team as we were getting only around 50 samples per day. Later, by mid-April, we started getting anywhere between 500-1,000 samples per day. Now, we have a 21-member team working in three shifts and processing a minimum of around 500 samples. It is not a job for everyone and requires dedication and patience,” said T Ram, a scientist.

The entire testing process generally takes up to six hours. “For one batch, 96 samples are taken to the lab after being numbered. RNA extraction is then done, which requires us to be fully dressed in Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). The extraction takes up to three hours after which the 95 samples with reagents added and one positive control sample is loaded onto the Real Time-PCR machine. The machine takes around another three hours to process the results, during which we can’t waste time and move on to RNA extraction for the next batch,” said Ram. The team has to wear PPE for a minimum of around 6 hours. “Initially, it was really tough but we don’t have a choice so we got used to it. We can’t drink water or use the restroom while wearing PPEs. For women, it is more difficult to not to use the restroom, especially on days when are having periods. But somehow we are managing as we have to get the job done,” said S Keerthana, a lab technician. There are seven women members on the team.

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