From Farm to Pharmaceutical: How Rapid Adaptation of a High Volume Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Positively Impacted Testing Approaches Following the SARS-Cov-2 Pandemic

Abstract

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ISUVDL) demonstrated remarkable adaptability by establishing a state-of-the-art SARS-CoV-2 testing laboratory in 2020. Building upon their extensive expertise in molecular and serological diagnostics, particularly in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technologies, the ISUVDL leveraged its experience and infrastructure to address the urgent need for widespread virus detection and monitoring.

This article provides a first-hand account and overview of the ISUVDL's journey in developing its SARS-CoV-2 testing lab, showcasing their commitment to public health during unprecedented times. Drawing insights from the ISUVDL's official account of this endeavor (Clark, 2021 June), the laboratory's strategic approach, technological advancements, and collaborative efforts that allowed them to quickly become a pivotal player in pandemic response efforts are recapped. Furthermore, this article discusses the broader implications of their success, underlining the importance of adaptability and interdisciplinary collaboration in crisis situations.

The ISUVDL's experience serves as a compelling case study for laboratories worldwide, offering valuable lessons in resource mobilization, scientific innovation, and the critical role that veterinary diagnostic facilities can play in addressing emerging infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2. This narrative highlights the ISUVDL's remarkable dedication to advancing the field of diagnostic testing and underscores the importance of such institutions in safeguarding public health on a global scale. Details of this project may be missing due to lack of specific topic information provided in first account interviews as completed by Pollard. Reflection of account provided by Pollard who served as an undergraduate laboratory technician in the ISUVDL SARS-CoV-2 laboratory from June 2020 until its closure in May 2022.