The capital launched the first modular laboratory complex to conduct rapid and high-precision PCR screening of the population for coronavirus
В столице запустили первый модульный лабораторный комплекс для проведения быстрого и высокоточного ПЦР-скрининга населения на коронавирус. 05.06.2020

The capital launched the first modular laboratory complex to conduct rapid and high-precision PCR screening of the population for coronavirus.

The capital launched the first modular laboratory complex to conduct rapid and high-precision PCR screening of the population for coronavirus. A unique laboratory, distinguished by mobility, a high level of biosafety and automation of the research process, was donated free of charge to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of Nur-Sultan by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation.

The charitable organization purchased two laboratory complexes for a total of $4 million from BGI (China), a world leader in medical research, production of equipment and consumables for laboratory tests. A second similar complex began to be installed in Almaty.
 “The Ministry of Health is now making significant efforts to contain the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic in the country. Large human and financial resources have been mobilized for this purpose. Business also did not stand aside and is actively using its full potential to quickly eliminate the infection and return to a normal, stable lifestyle. Thanks to the assistance of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, Kazakhstan is among the first countries where modern, mobile laboratory complexes “Huo-Yan” have been deployed for conducting PCR (polymerase chain reaction) diagnostics of coronavirus infection. It should be noted that these laboratories will increase the capacity and potential of laboratory services, as well as increase the speed of research. The laboratories will employ qualified virologists from branches of the National Center of Expertise, who were trained by BGI specialists who arrived from the People’s Republic of China ,” said Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yelzhan Birtanov.

The laboratory will conduct free screening for the following categories of people: the unemployed, low-income and large families, people with disabilities, patients undergoing planned hospitalization, patients over 50 years of age undergoing dynamic observation with diseases of the respiratory system, endocrine and cardiovascular systems; special contingent involved in anti-epidemic measures - akimat employees, volunteers and activists, patrol officers; citizens in nursing homes, boarding schools and other specialized institutions; employees of preschool institutions. The laboratory is fully equipped to carry out the entire cycle of PCR analysis. The entire complex consists of 42 items of high-tech equipment and sets of tools for collecting, storing and labeling biological material, conducting research using the polymerase chain reaction method.


The research process is fully automated, which allows the test to be carried out quickly, with high accuracy and with the participation of fewer specialists. The laboratory's capacity is 1,000 tests per day with the potential to increase to 5,000; the test result is prepared within three hours. The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation has equipped each laboratory with sets of necessary reagents to conduct 30 thousand tests for immediate launch. The air-supported structure of the complex consists of three cylindrical inflatable modules (membranes) with an autonomous system of internal ventilation and air filtration. The system provides a high level of biological safety, which is not always possible to achieve even in stationary laboratories, and meets the requirements of the World Health Organization. According to the manufacturer’s recommendation, the complex is installed indoors for increased stability and safety. In Nur-Sultan, the Kazakhstan Sports Complex was chosen as the location for the laboratory; in Almaty, one of the pavilions of the Atakent exhibition center was chosen. If necessary, you can change the location of the laboratory within one week.