Technical specifications for Nucleic Acid Test sampling sites for prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic in Jiangsu Province

Abstract

: Novel coronavirus nucleic acid detection is an important way to diagnose new coronavirus pneumonia and restrict its rapid transmission. Quickly finding the source of infection of the novel coronavirus pneumonia and effectively blocking the chain of transmission helps to control the large-scale epidemic of the novel coronavirus which have a high transmission rate like one of its variant Omicron. Launching large-scale nucleic acid testing (NAT) is one of the effective approaches to prevent the spread of the epidemic. In this article, we discussed the standardized management and on-site implementation process of large-scale NAT during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. We highlighted the basic requirements and workflow of nucleic acid test sampling points in Jiangsu Province, including: sampling point setting, basic requirements for personnel, personal protection for personnel, samples collection and transportation procedures, medical waste handling, and precautions for environmental disinfection. It provides effective measures and guidelines for NAT sampling sites to effectively respond to the epidemic, which can effectively avoid the cross-infection and the spread of the epidemic, and create a safe environment for rapid nucleic acid detection and sampling of local residents. From March 5 to May 4, more than 220,000 NAT sampling sites have been set up, and the number of NAT samples have been exceeded 1.5 billion since the omicron COVID-19 virus broke out. There have been no suspected cases of COVID-19 infection misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. Further, no cross-infection reported at all NAT and sampling sites. Concerning the large-scale implementation of the nuclear acid testing, this article highlights the basic requirements and prevention and control measures which have high importance and practical significance for the prevention and control of the new coronavirus pneumonia at the NAT sampling sites.