Uzhgorod National University started conducting ELISA tests for COVID-19 (PHOTOS)

The Research and Training Center for Molecular Microbiology and Immunology of Mucous Membranes operates at Uzhgorod National University. Its staff regularly participates in domestic and international projects (including those funded by Horizon 2020), cooperates with many institutions, including medical and diagnostic centers of the region.  
Even before the current pandemic, understanding the priorities of modern science, the management of UzhNU purchased state-of-the-art equipment needed for microbiological, genetic and immunological research: amplifier for real-time PCR, homogenizer for DNA isolation, boxes, thermoshakers and spectrophotometer for quantitative determination of isolated DNA, ELISA reader with automatic sample washing system and more. 
This equipment allows for various clinical measurements, including the determination of the presence of IgM / IgG antibodies to the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in the human serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 

Therefore, given the difficult epidemiological situation in the country and the region, Uzhgorod National University purchased sufficient amount of ELISA tests to check its own employees, as well as to obtain future statistics on the intensity and duration of Uzhgorod population’s immunity. Importantly, a referral from a doctor is not required for the ELISA test. Test is performed by the staff of the Center for Molecular Microbiology and Immunology of Mucous Membranes in cooperation with one of the private medical centers of the city. 

As the rector of Uzhgorod National University Volodymyr Smolanka noted: “The university should provide additional social services to its employees and students. The use of modern ELISA diagnostics laboratory equipment, which was recently purchased for medical units of Uzhgorod National University, is just one of the measures that we will implement for the medical protection of the staff during the pandemic." 

The purchase of equipment, highly qualified personnel and facilities will allow UzhNU to obtain the necessary permits and certification documents both for diagnostics of diseases, including PCR, and for conducting scientific clinical trials in cooperation with other clinical teams. Source.  
Hanna Feltsan