PNLT equips its technicians to use GeneXpert equipment

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Extract from the article: Fifty-two laboratory technicians working in the fight against tuberculosis and the fight against AIDS, viral hepatitis and STIs received training at the beginning of March, designed to build their capacity in the maintenance of GeneXpert equipment in

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Fifty-two laboratory technicians working in the fight against tuberculosis and the fight against AIDS, viral hepatitis and STIs received training at the beginning of March, designed to build their capacity in the maintenance of GeneXpert equipment in order to optimise its operation. Two sessions were held, the first in Atakpamé from 04 to 05 March 2024 and the second further north in Kara from 07 to 08 March 2024.

These training sessions were conducted by a team from LNR/PNLT. The aim was to provide laboratory technicians with theoretical and practical knowledge of GeneXpert equipment maintenance, so that they could carry out maintenance on site. According to the organisers, the best way to master this technique is to provide training and practice on site.

Whether in Atakpamé or Kara, the laboratory technicians from the GeneXpert sites in Togo's laboratory network were given training on various modules, including the different stages of GeneXpert preventive maintenance and their frequency, and the annual GeneXpert calibration procedure. These theoretical training sessions were supported by practical work.

Importance of GeneXpert

The GeneXpert is a rapid diagnostic tool for tuberculosis recommended by the WHO.It features a system that enables real-time molecular biology PCR tests to be performed flexibly, on demand, with rapid turnaround of results. The equipment is upgradeable and also features a simplified accreditation system.The robustness of the system means that it requires very little maintenance.This equipment can be used to perform a large number of biological tests using PCR, including TB, early HIV diagnosis, HIV and hepatitis viral load, Covid 19 diagnosis and HPV.

The WHO recommends that all people presenting with signs and symptoms of tuberculosis should first receive a rapid molecular diagnostic test, in particular the Xpert MTB/RIF test.This test offers high diagnostic accuracy and substantially improves the early detection of simple and drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis.

Between 2017 and 2018, the National Tuberculosis Control Programme (PNLT) only had 14 sites equipped with GeneXpert devices. Today, this figure has risen to 52 sites thanks to the collaboration and determination of the PNLS-HV-IST and the PNLT to improve the early diagnosis of HIV, HIV viral load, tuberculosis and its multi-drug resistant branch, not forgetting the diagnosis of COVID 19.

In accordance with the supplier's recommendation, regular preventive maintenance and annual calibration of each device are required to ensure and evaluate the correct operation of the various modules of the equipment.

Focus on tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs. It is caused by a type of bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is spread through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit. Tuberculosis is a preventable and curable disease. It is estimated that around a quarter of the world's population has been infected with the tuberculosis bacterium. Approximately five to ten per cent of those infected will eventually develop symptoms and tuberculosis.Unlike tuberculosis infection, when a person contracts tuberculosis, he or she develops symptoms.These may be mild for several months.It is therefore easy to transmit tuberculosis to others without knowing it. The common symptoms of tuberculosis are: a prolonged cough (sometimes with blood); chest pain; asthenia; intense fatigue; weight loss, etc.

Source: PNLT