Establishing EVD testing at a mobile laboratory using GeneXpert Technology in Liberia - Impact on Surveillance System, Outbreak Detection and Patient Management

摘要

Purpose: The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa 2014-15 highlighted the necessity for sustainable, rapid, point-of care diagnostics. In October 2015, Xpert Ebola Assay was approved by the Minister for Health of Liberia, for use as a stand-alone EVD test for whole blood specimens. We describe implementation of GeneXpert technology at an Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) mobile laboratory in Liberia and subsequent impact on surveillance of EVD, outbreak detection and patient management.