Integra ASSIST PLUS Pipette workstation to Enhance Sample Throughput and Workflow Efficiency - 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 consist of a section supervisor with a B.S., M.S, and Ph.D. in veterinary medical sciences with more than twelve years of experience in molecular biology and virology in the veterinary diagnostic laboratory, one Sr. Research Associate with seventeen years working experience in the molecular diagnostic laboratory at MVRDL and eight years in related medical research experience. Three laboratory technologists; one technician with one year working experience in molecular diagnostics and over ten years of research lab working experience, and two recently hired technicians that started last month, one with two years of working experience in forensic laboratory and the other with one year teaching experience in biology for 9th grade. During 2024, the section conducted over 15,000 PCR procedures (conventional PCR, real time PCR, sequencing). The MVRDL is a member of the VET-LIRN and is one of the veterinary diagnostic labs that participated in Avian Influenza testing for commercial poultry, backyard birds, wildlife surveillance across eight states of Mississippi river, and milk, which helps address the concerns of people of milk. We also participated in an interlaboratory comparison of whole genome sequencing and Avian Influenza on milk. Due to the outbreak of Avian Influenza in Mississippi poultry industry, the need for the testing in surveillance and control increased significantly. Also, Mississippi State is one of the states that initiated milk testing weekly. Currently, all the liquid handling procedures are being done manually, considering our increasing number of tests, this increases the turnaround times and increases the possibility of human error. Our laboratory will benefit from obtaining an Integra ASSIST PLUS pipette workstation, that can prevent the risk of cross contamination and increase the efficiency of workflow. To maintain the short turn-around times, and keep efficiency of diagnostic tests, we are requesting funding to purchase a pipette workstation. The MVRDL has infrastructure, expertise and capabilities and is willing to collaborate to increase the capacity of the Vet-LIRN Program Office 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.
