SROS provides capacity to test Covid-19 samples locally

Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 07 FEBRUARY 2022: The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa – SROS has confirmed its current capacity to test Covid-19 samples locally and is moving to acquire further equipment to allow SROS scientists to determine the presence or absence of COVID-19 and can also provide preliminary determination of the variant.

For two years now, SROS has tested more than 500 outgoing traveller’s COVID-19 swabs collected by local medical clinics and delivered to SROS for analyses.

With Covid-19 lockdown and travel limitations the need for quick turn-around for tests sent overseas for confirmation had pointed to SROS ability and capacity to do this work locally.

Talamua understands Cabinet had been meeting with SROS top management last week with this in mind.

Yesterday afternoon, SROS issued the following press statement “in light of the recent enquiries to SROS regarding the Organisations molecular and drug testing capabilities,” the statement said.

Molecular diagnostics of COVID-19
Over the years, SROS increased its molecular and drug testing capabilities due to requests from the Law and Justice, Agriculture and Health Sectors. At present, SROS has qualified and certified scientists who have been trained in the field of molecular diagnostics and drug analysis.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, SROS has acquired several RT-qPCR equipment with support from UNDP, UNICEF, FAO, IAEA and the Samoan Government. RT-qPCR is a World Health Organisation recommended nucleic acid-base technique for molecular diagnostics of COVID-19.

Kent Onesemo, SROS Principal Research Scientist at work.

“This equipment utilizes a molecular technique to amplify a target specific genetic sequence of interest. RT-qPCR can amplify and detect a single copy of the specific genomic sequence. This equipment allows SROS scientists to determine the presence or absence of COVID-19 and can also provide preliminary determination of the variant.

“To determine which COVID-19 variant is in a sample with confidence, SROS is acquiring further consumables that can be used with our present equipment. This will remove the need to send samples to overseas countries for confirmation of the virus variants,” said the SROS statement.

“Given overseas travel requirements at present require a COVID-19 test results, SROS has utilized its resources for about two years now to accommodate those in need of its services. “The traveller’s COVID-19 swabs collected by local medical clinics are delivered to SROS for analyses. To date, SROS has tested more than 500 outgoing travellers.

“The Ministry of Health (MoH) is also well equipped to carry out COVID-19 tests and has maintained the testing of travellers at our borders and people of concern. MoH has done an excellent job given the high pressure conditions they are working under.

“We applaud their excellent work. SROS molecular diagnostic services are available to support the MoH when the need arises.”

Genomic Sequencing
“SROS is also planning to acquire equipment for genomic sequencing. Genomic sequencing is integral in any COVID-19 response as new variants are continuously emerging. Genomic data has guided countries to make quick and informed public health decisions since the start of the pandemic, and Samoa would likewise benefit from having timely access to the genomic information of COVID-19 cases present in Samoa.

“Most mutations don’t significantly alter a virus’ behaviour, but some can be concerning. Genomic sequencing involves decoding the genetic material of a virus to identify the mutations and determine what effect they might have on the virus’ pathogenicity. This process is done in a laboratory and can be analysed within 24 hours,” the statement ended.