Coronavirus: the UNamur supports the country with the development of a new Covid-19 diagnostic method

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 virus and the growth of COVID-19 cases confront the public health system to a major crisis. The diagnostic capacity is key to the monitoring of the epidemic. However, shortage of specific detection kit components or lack of robotic platforms are seriously impeding the diagnostic throughput in numerous countries.

In collaboration with the Belgian reference laboratory at the KU Leuven, the UNamur developed an alternative method for diagnosing Covid-19. The main advantage of the new process is that it overcomes the use of reagents that are in short supply worldwide. The new method relies on a manual protocol for extraction of viral RNA, followed by RT-qPCR analysis. The technique was approved by the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP) on March 17, enabling the UNamur to support the reference laboratory and to accelerate the number of tests carried out in Belgium.

Over 100 volunteers from the UNamur are rolling up their sleeves to manage all scientific, technical, logistical and administrative aspects of the project. The team is now ready to carry out up to 500 SARS-CoV-2 tests a day, 7 days a week!

The process is applicable in any molecular biology lab throughout the world and can be easily implemented while leaning on workforce and solidarity.

A starting pack and detailed protocol are made available by the UNamur to guide every laboratory with expertise in molecular biology to develop a robust SARS-CoV2 screening plateform.

Front-line contact: Virginie Bourguignon