The Ministry of Health revealed a highly sophisticated containment laboratory at the Saskatchewan Disease Control Centre on Tuesday.
In the high clearance lab scientists and researchers will be able to work with some of the world’s most dangerous pathogens. Anthrax, SARS, and influenza as well as newly emerging diseases will be studied and monitored.
“This is an important addition to the work that can be done in Saskatchewan when there are those significant public health concerns,” said Health Minister Dustin Duncan. “We can do that work now in the province.”
Currently patient samples had to be sent to Winnipeg where they have the proper equipment to handle those viruses and microbes. Having the level 3 clearance to do that in the province means patients will cut out a 24-48 hour waiting period for the sample to be shipped and test results delivered.
“We have the tools for influenza to make a same day diagnosis,” said the Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory’s Clinical Assistant Director, Dr. Paul Levett. “If we have a specimen in the morning, we have an answer in the afternoon.”
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But the more common use for the lab will be combating the province’s high tuberculosis rate. In Saskatchewan, the current rate of TB is almost double the national average at 7.5 per 100, 000 population compared to the Canadian rate of 4.7.
The Ministry of Health says getting that number down is one of their top priorities.
“This lab plays a unique role in looking at tuberculosis and looking at a very in depth and detailed diagnosis and understanding on the strain or type or TB that is in Saskatchewan,” said the Disease Control Laboratory’s Executive Director, Rick Trimp.
Once they decipher that information they can prepare a better response to the disease that is hitting hard in Northern Saskatchewan.
The Ministry of Health is set to deliver a comprehensive TB strategy by the end of November, and they hope having access to quick results will help save lives.
“When the pandemic is spreading through a population, it could make the difference between hundreds of people being sick or being able to protect themselves,” said Dr. Levett.
The level three lab is the last facility to open at the Saskatchewan Disease Control Centre which opened its doors in 2010 at a cost of $55 million.
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