MobiWater® RNA LAB/20

Mobile laboratory for the early detection of COVID 19 infections through wastewater monitoring

In cooperation with the Institute for Molecular Biology at the University of Innsbruck, we from Wastewater Solutions Group GmbH, have developed a self-sustaining laboratory with the latest, state-of-the-art laboratory equipment that works fully automatically and does not require any calibration.

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has developed into a global pandemic. To gain reliable and comprehensive information about changes in the total number of infections in determined regions or areas is mandatory for the decision-making process as well as to prove the effectiveness of preventive measures.

Our mobile laboratory, perfectly integrated in a 20 ft. ISO-norm container, guarantees analyses of the highest quality, and provides such necessary data detecting the increase or decrease in the number of cases of corona infections in wastewater by means of RNA detection (genetic information).

Since the RNA of the Covid-Virus is recognizable in the excretions of already infected people, without them already having symptoms of the disease, this is a very accurate possibility of early detection.

The MobiWater® RNA LAB/20 is a valuable supplementary tool for pandemic management.

Wastewater analysis compared to other epidemiological methods has various advantages:

A high temporal and spatial resolution
Collection of population-specific data without having to intervene in the privacy of the individual
No consent and cooperation of the test persons necessary
Simple and safe sampling as part of the self-monitoring of wastewater treatment
Fast and inexpensive implementation

After the RNA (information carrier) of SARS-CoV-2 viruses get into the sewage via excretions, they can be detected up to 4 weeks after infection. Therefore, sewage epidemiology is as an efficient tool for detecting and monitoring COV-19 infections at the population level, in the area of operation or during staff rotations.

PROCEDURE – Example: military or humanitarian camps

During monitoring of wastewater treatment plants, in addition to the analysis of the wastewater parameters from the inlet to the sewage treatment plant (COD, ammonium, nitrate, phosphorus, ...), a daily mixed sample is brought to the mobile RNA laboratory, where the RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 viruses is quantified.

Individual sub-areas from the camp or sectors, like a quarantine area or for external service providers, can be tested additionally to be able to make accurate statements.
We create the possibility to sample up to 4 areas in the camp.

Methodology

Sampling of a qualified 24-hour composite sample with an automatic sampler with cooling function.
External disinfection of the vial with ethanol or another disinfectant.
Transport the sample to the laboratory at 4 °C to 8 °C in a cool box.
Extraction of dissolved RNA from wastewater samples. The sample is concentrated using the PEG centrifugation method. A lysis buffer (RNA extraction kit Monarch, NEB) is added to the resulting pellet. For further RNA extraction, the sample is treated accordingly in order to remove proteins and other interfering substances.
Duration of the extraction: approx. 4 hours
Detection of Sars-COV-2 using RT-qPCR
The detection is carried out with the help of the detection reagents Luna-RT-ONE-STEP qPCR.
The RNA quantification takes place via quantitative PCR with a thermal cycler.br>
Duration of the quantification: approx. 3 hours
Number of tests: 30 pieces per run
The data is evaluated with programs from Hydro IT, together with the wastewater parameters supplied. Results are reported in virus copies per ml of wastewater and virus copies per person using standard population indicators (ammonium).

MobiWater® RNA LAB / 20 container consists of:

ISO standard 20 ft. container ISO 668 with CSC certificate
Dimensions: 6,060 x 2,430 x 2,591 mm
interior construction for use as a laboratory with panels for heat and cold insulation and floor coating, using durable, easy-to-clean epoxy resin
safety lock with wash basin, entrance door, window with roller blind
air conditioning unit, ventilation with HEPA filter
safety lock with wash basin, entrance door, window with roller blind
container lighting incl. UV lighting for disinfection
water connection including sink
platform at entrance area in front of the container
laboratory furniture in stainless steel
laboratory equipment for RNA quantification