Bunia, July 13th, 2026 (CPA). – The biological safety is the top priority for the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) when handling samples suspected of containing Ebola, has told CPA on Monday. a biologist based at the laboratory in Bunia, Ituri – the epicentre of this outbreak in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) –
“As soon as the samples are received, no handling takes place without a preliminary inactivation step. This procedure involves destroying the virus to protect those working in the laboratory, as the Ebola virus is highly pathogenic and very dangerous,” has explained Dr Tony Wawina, a biologist at the INRB, confirming that a rigorous protocol is followed before any analysis to protect staff and ensure reliable results. “Once this stage is complete,” he has continued, “the samples are loaded into cartridges and then analysed using the Radio One platform, which can determine within 65 minutes whether a sample is positive or negative for the Ebola virus.” “From the time we receive the samples to the time we deliver the results, it takes us no more than one hour and fifteen minutes. We also have other PCR platforms that enable accurate and rapid diagnosis,” he has added. Dr Wawina has indicated that safety measures continue after the tests through rigorous management of the waste produced in the laboratory. “The used cartridges are disinfected in accordance with procedures before being incinerated for permanent destruction. This management is essential to avoid any risk of contamination,” he has emphasised. Furthermore, Dr Wawina has reassured that the results are immediately forwarded to the medical teams at the Ebola treatment centres to facilitate the rapid management of confirmed cases and the discharge of patients who test negative.ACP/