LABIAGRO launches Molecular Biology Laboratory and performs research and quantification of SARS-COV-2 in wastewater, air and surfaces

Tempo de Leitura 2 minutos

The Molecular Biology Laboratory of Labiagro, an ISQ group company, has been working on the detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, air and surfaces. In this way, it is possible to create an alert system, capable of communicating with relevant entities that, upon noticing an increase in the amount of the virus in a community, can act to prevent a new outbreak.

The etiologic agent of COVID-19, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can be excreted through feces, urine, or other biological secretions by infected individuals (symptomatic or asymptomatic).

Eventually, these secretions (which may contain the virus) end up in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) through the sanitation system.

Continuous monitoring of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen in wastewater provides an excellent tool for disease control, as it can be detected in the population before it spreads to the community.

This monitoring takes on a more prominent role, as it allows for the early detection of the virus in a community, even if there are asymptomatic individuals.

The detection of the virus is made by molecular biology techniques, being possible not only to detect the presence of this agent, but also to quantify its presence. Given this possibility of methodology, it is possible to create an alert system, capable of communicating with interested entities that, by verifying an increase in the amount of virus in a community, can act to prevent a new wave of the virus.

In addition to these two possibilities, detection and quantification, it is possible to identify the virus variants circulating in a given community.

Labiagro’s Molecular Biology Laboratory has been working on the detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, as well as on the investigation of this virus in other equally important matrices, such as air or surface samples.

With the new molecular biology laboratory, Labiagro offers integrated solutions and is able to provide services to competent authorities, health entities and industry in various sectors of activity (agri-food and others).

The laboratory has a wide range of technological equipment capable of detecting by molecular biology techniques – PCR – the etiological agent SARS-CoV-2, and the result, if so requested, can be given within 24 hours.

ABOUT ISQ

ISQ is a private, independent entity that delivers value through integrated and innovative engineering, inspection, testing, testing and training services solutions.

Present in 14 countries and with 7 offices in Portugal, ISQ supports its customers in reducing risk, improving operational performance and increasing competitiveness. multidisciplinary teams that help clients to align their business objectives with applicable regulations and standards and in meeting their goals in the areas of quality, safety, asset management and environmental and social responsibility.

Industry, Technology and Innovation are the premises that guide the work developed by ISQ, which already has more than 500 international Innovation projects and more than 17,000 professional training courses.

ISQ supports industry development and innovation on a global scale, with service solutions for the Oil & Gas, Energy, Aeronautics and Aerospace, Process Industry, Health, Mobility and Smart Cities, Transport and Infrastructure and Agribusiness sectors.

ISQ PRESS AND COMMUNICATION OFFICE

Carla Guedes      | cmguedes@isq.pt          | +351 919 211 647