Lab Matters Fall 2024 | Page 112

APHL 2024 POSTER ABSTRACTS

ONE HEALTH APPROACHES

Diagnostic Testing Preferences Can Help Inform Future Public Health Response Efforts : Global Insights from an International Survey

B . Choate 1 , A . Wyllie 2 , N . Narayanan 2 , S . Akbarzada 2 , L . Salzano 2 , E . Tobik 2 , Y . Wu 2 , S . Megiel 2 , C . Duni 2 , SalivaDirect 1 , Yale 2

Introduction : Public perception regarding clinical diagnostic sample types can influence their willingness to test for SARS-CoV-2 and in this post-pandemic phase , testing of other respiratory pathogens . As such , community preferences for specific sample type ( s ) can be leveraged to increase participation in both diagnostic and surveillance testing , thereby increasing their effectiveness in public health response efforts . To help understand where sample-type preferences lie , we conducted an international survey regarding the various sample types used for the clinical diagnostics of SARS- CoV-2 .

Methods : A Qualtrics ® survey was distributed via social media and email to individuals in over 100 countries to assess SARS-CoV-2 testing preferences . The survey collected testing preferences as well as key demographic data . Python was used to analyze the raw data .

Results : Between March 30-June 15 , 2022 , 2,094 responses were collected from participants around the world . Participants included 55 % females , 44 % men and 1 % non-binary individuals of varied ages ( 18-24 : 13 %; 25-34 : 27 %; 35-44 : 23 %; 45-54 : 16 %; 55-64 : 14 %; 65 +: 8 %). Education and employment were skewed : 52 % had graduate degrees , 26 % had bachelor ’ s degrees , 21 % were scientists or researchers and 22 % were healthcare workers . Respondents indicated a higher degree of trust in PCR testing ( 84 %) vs . rapid antigen testing ( RAT ; 36 %). PCR trust increased with education ( graduate degree = 93 % vs . high school degree or equivalent = 59 %). Oral swabs were most preferred in Africa , North America and Oceania , saliva-based testing in Asia , Latin America and the Caribbean and nasal swabs in Europe . Preferences regarding sample self-collection varied across regions . Parents and guardians overall preferred saliva-based testing for their children .

Conclusions : Large-scale , easily accessible diagnostic testing is vital for detecting and containing SARS-CoV-2 . This study identified oral sample types as the preferred sample type for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the international survey population . A preference for oral sample types suggests individuals might be more likely to utilize testing options based on this , if made available . This knowledge can be leveraged when designing future response efforts , especially as oral sample types offer a practical option for large-scale , easily accessible diagnostic testing for respiratory infections . These results should be considered when designing new testing programs to encourage maximum participation , speed pandemic response and improve community health . Responses indicate that testing preferences are heterogeneous depending on respondent background with some common threads across populations ; this should be considered when developing and implementing new diagnostic tests or surveillance strategies .

Presenter : Brittany Choate , brittany @ salivadirectinc . org

PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Enhancing Laboratory Preparedness : Automated Decon Systems for Biothreat and Emerging Pathogen Response

E . Massoth , CURIS System

Laboratories engaged in biothreat and emerging pathogen response face a critical need for decontamination systems capable of effectively addressing highly challenging environmental pathogens . Many are inadequately equipped , burdened with immense responsibilities , limited in funding and employing outdated or unsupported equipment with high consequence chemicals . This deficiency extends to the staff with high turnover or lack of proper training . This presentation highlights a new technology which may help meet the need to implement automated decon in laboratories , with emphasis on efficacy , safety , material compatibility of facilities and sensitive lab equipment and versatility . During outbreaks , epidemics and pandemics , time and staffing resources become strained , so the technology should be automated to function without constant monitoring and easy for staff to operate , allowing staff to allocate their resources more effectively . Systems should be versatile and capable of automatically decontaminating entire spaces , enclosures , or closed system equipment , e . g ., BSCs . The disinfectant should be a sporicidal agent , leave no residue , be validatable and comprehensively decontaminate spaces without hesitation or concern . The proposed multifaceted technology uses a 7 % hybrid hydrogen peroxide sporicidal agent , tested per the EPA ’ s more stringent tripart soil load requirement . Its modular unit can be used for closed loop decontamination of equipment and decouple for whole room decon . A single operator can run the system via a touchscreen or remotely via its app and the lower concentration and operating ppm mean treatment cycles do not require constant monitoring . By automating the decon process , labs can streamline their response efforts , minimize downtime and maximize operational efficiency , all while ensuring a safe and secure working environment . Attendees will gain valuable insights into how this innovative technology functions effectively across numerous laboratory environments as evidenced by published studies and images from real-world implementations . They will also benefit from engaging with the onsite presenter to get personalized explanations and access supplemental videos via QR codes . In conclusion , the implementation of automated decon systems in labs engaged in biothreat and emerging pathogen response holds immense potential for mitigating risks , improving efficiency and safeguarding public health . Leveraging innovative technologies , such as the evaluated hybrid hydrogen peroxide decon system , labs can better allocate their limited resources and combat the ever-evolving challenges posed by environmental pathogens .

Presenter : Elizabeth Massoth , beth . mcauade @ curissystem . com