Application of Automatic Extraction Platform KingFisher Apex on Viral and Bacterial Pathogen to Increase the Capacity in Vet-LIRN Sample Analysis

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Project Summary The Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (MVRDL) is a full service, AAVLD accredited, all species, central reference laboratory. The molecular section personnel consists of: a section supervisor with a B.S., M.S, and Ph.D. in veterinary sciences with more than seven-year experience in molecular biology and virology in the veterinary diagnostic laboratory, one technician with twelve years working experience in the molecular diagnostic laboratory and thirteen years in related medical research experience, and one technician with more than seven years working experience in molecular diagnostics and poultry virology and over 6 years working experience in medical research. The section analyses samples from approximately 2000 accessions per year from which over 5000 PCR procedures (conventional PCR, real time PCR, sequencing) are completed. MVRDL is a member of the VET-LIRN, one of the veterinary diagnostic labs that participated in SARS-CoV2 testing for both human and animals, which helps the university test students and staff and address the concerns of pet or livestock owners. We also participated in an interlaboratory group project - evaluation of an automated DNA extraction for food-borne pathogen isolates and development of a harmonized method for sequencing Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli on iSeq100. Automatic extraction equipment is widely used for all routine diagnostics, SARS-CoV2 testing, whole genome sequencing and extraction comparison projects. Currently we only have one KingFisher Flex extraction system with five years of usage. However, different pathogens or different protocols require use of different programs on the equipment. In order to maintain the short turn-around time and keep efficiency of diagnostic tests, we would like to get support to purchase a new automatic extraction system, KingFisher Apex benchtop sample preparation to increase the testing capacity and also serve as a backup for current KingFisher Flex. The KingFisher Apex benchtop is a newer model of KingFisher Flex. MVRDL has the capacity and is willing to offer its’ service to increase the capacity of the VPO in handling increased sample workflow during emergencies. MVRDL is committed to performing these services in an efficient, accurate and timely fashion and to reporting results to the required agency.