Whole Genome Sequencing Of Virus Causing COVID Can Now Be Undertaken In Gibraltar. The GHA says it will soon be carrying out whole genome sequencing of the SARS-CoV 2 virus that causes COVID-19.
Whole Genome Sequencing Of Virus Causing COVID Can Now Be Undertaken In Gibraltar.
The lab is already staffed by senior scientists with extensive Molecular Biology Experience. Dr Zoe Vincent-Mistiaen MA (Oxon) PhD is the lead PCR Molecular Biology Scientist at Covid Laboratory. In addition, Ms Charlotte Gillborn-Jones MSc LIBMS Biomedical Scientist in Microbiology at SBH. Dr Martyn Bell BSc D.Phil (Oxon) MBChB a Medical Doctor from St Bernard’s Hospital and has extensive experience in genetic sequencing. This academic research at Oxford University, and has been temporarily seconded to the COVID laboratory to set up this service.
The project, led by Dr Nick Cortes, GHA Consultant Medical Microbiologist & Dr Daniel Cassaglia Consultant Paediatrician. He is also clinical lead for the COVID laboratory, has over the last few weeks assembled an expert scientific team. With this, managing to procure highly specialised sequencing equipment and chemical reagents too. The sequencing work, consisting of initial validation before formal processing commences, has started this week. Dr Zoe Vincent-Mistiaen will also be attending the Francis Crick Institute in London next week. She will do hands-on experience and advanced technical advice on the sequencing process.
