The Laboratory department of Specialized Polyclinic No. 1, operating under the Center for Lung Diseases under TABIB, has been opened.
According to the information provided to “Elchi” by the institution, the opening ceremony was attended by Yagut Garayeva, Head of the Medical Services Development Department of TABIB; Nilufar Mammadova, Head of the Department for Infectious Diseases and Organization of Infection Control; Nehmat Rahmanov, Director of the Center for Lung Diseases; Yashar Orucov, Director of the Project Coordination Bureau of the Ministry of Health’s HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control Program; Shafag Gulami, Head of the Laboratory Department; and chief physicians of the regional hospitals of the Center for Lung Diseases.
In order to increase public access to laboratory services, obtain examination results in a shorter time, ensure early detection of tuberculosis, and expand effective treatment opportunities, TABIB has relocated and commissioned the Mycobacteriological Laboratory of Specialized Polyclinic No. 1, which is specialized in tuberculosis diagnostics and complies with Biosafety Level III (BSL-III) standards, to a new building.
The laboratory, which covers a total area of 608 square meters and is organized according to international standards, will perform rapid molecular-genetic diagnostic tests, as well as sensitivity tests for first and second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs.
To ensure infection safety, high-risk and low-risk areas, as well as an inter-area transition zone, have been created in the laboratory.
The high-risk zone includes a sample reception room, workrooms for processing, and special rooms for other molecular-genetic examinations, with work areas equipped with biosafety cabinets, “GeneXpert”, “Truenat”, and other modern devices and equipment.
Workrooms and rest areas for staff have been created in the clean zone.
Appropriate conditions have been established for the storage of biosamples and isolates in accordance with biosafety rules, as well as for the archiving of data and test results.
The laboratory is equipped with a modern and highly efficient ventilation system, including one that ensures negative pressure in the high-risk zone.
“Also, for the first time in the country, the “Truenat” system, which is one of the latest diagnostic equipment used in rapid molecular diagnostics of tuberculosis, as well as the “Pluslife Minidock” device and “Rida screen” tests, will be used in a special vehicle at the laboratory’s disposal to provide mobile medical services. A digital mobile X-ray machine with artificial intelligence support has also been installed in the vehicle.
Highly qualified laboratory doctors, microbiologists, and experienced paramedical staff work in the laboratory.
For information, let us note that the mentioned laboratory will play a significant role in the early detection of tuberculosis, the expansion of effective treatment opportunities, and the further strengthening of measures to combat tuberculosis in our country,” the statement emphasized.