In order to allow the molecular analysis of emerging biological threats, early access to biological samples is warranted. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, progress was limited by a lack of relevant clinical samples. This project aims to create a unit, early pandemic sample center, that allows rapid handling of biological specimens and facilitates connections between SciLifeLab facilities and university hospitals. Karolinska and Uppsala University Hospitals will be used in trials to test the proposed model.

The plan is to set up two sample flows:

• The first sample flow is for patient material connected to infectious disease clinics. The first sample flow is currently organised in connection with the largest such clinic in Sweden; Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, a via Biosafety laboratory level-3 laboratory ANA Futura Core Facility. The sample flow would enable the handling of any type of infections material for neutralisation and further analysis at SciLifeLab platforms.

• The second sample flow is connected to the hospital laboratories and pathology units. It would facilitate the collection and preparation of patient samples needed for analysis. Such samples can be be used for monitoring, to better understand the causes and symptoms of newly discovered pathogen variants, to study the immune and organ response to novel viruses, and for developing treatments to novel viruses. The first such sample flow and preparation station has been established at Karolinska University Hospital clinical pathology Solna, in connection with the molecular pathology laboratory.

The project will gather standard operation procedures (SOPs) for DNA, RNA, protein, cell, and tissue analysis from SciLifeLab facilities. Procedures for pseudonymisation and healthcare biobanking will also be made available.

PI(s)/Head(s) responsible for resource

Janne Lehtiö, Maria Pernemalm

Host organisation

Contributions from multiple institutions: Karolinska Institutet/SciLifeLab, Karolinska University Hospital, Uppsala University Hospital.

Contact information

Janne Lehtiö
Professor
Email: janne.lehtio@ki.se

Maria Pernemalm
Professor
Email: maria.pernemalmk@scilifelab.se