Quality of biological samples a concern: NIV

The quality of biological samples received at various laboratories for testing is a matter of serious concern for researchers. A badly handled specimen could impact the accuracy of the result of any test or research. Mishandling can also pose a bio-safety threat.

“The quality of samples is important as the accuracy of any test conducted in any laboratory depends on the quality and condition of the samples received there,’’ Vidya A. Arankalle, head of department (Hepatitis) at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) told The Hindu.

Many a times, the biological samples received at the Institute for testing are badly collected, preserved or transported and it becomes extremely difficult to test these and come to an accurate conclusion, she said. “It is important to understand how important this factor is for researchers,’’ she said.

Difficulties in transportation

Sharing her sentiments, several senior scientists at the Institute also complained about the difficulties faced by them while carrying biological samples with them on flights, including the Indian Airlines despite carrying relevant documents and Identification Cards issued by the Institute. They felt the government should circulate the standard operating procedures for better coordination at various places because the samples should reach the laboratories at the earliest.

“There is a need to strictly follow the standard operating procedures laid down for collection, preservation and transportation of samples, ‘’ suggested Ramesh S. Jadi , head of department (measles) at NIV. Procedures are laid down but not always followed particularly in the remote rural areas where there is no infrastructure.

Biological samples are simply picked up and sent to the laboratories which can take several days due to the remoteness of the place and lack of availability of infrastructure like electricity. Even if samples are well collected and well preserved, there are no proper transportation facilities and by the time these reach the laboratories, they are not fit enough even to be tested. While standard operating procedures meant for the handling of biological samples is taught during training, lack of facilities makes it impossible even for trained staff to follow these strictly. Manhandling or mishandling of unknown or fatal viruses can be a bio-safety hazard too.

The situation becomes worse when those performing autopsy or post-mortems are ignorant of the handling procedures and often mess up. And such incidents come to light often particularly from the district hospitals in remote areas. ``Even an electron microscope cannot help in the case of a bad sample,’’ said Atanu Basu, head of department (Electron Microscope).

Equally important is the response of the State governments to any outbreak. A prompt and efficient response by the Gujarat government on identification of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus helped the disease from spreading. The government isolated the patients within hours and vaccinated thousands of people in the affected villages within days of confirmation of the CCHF disease.