Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology

The Collaboration has been able to utilize laboratory space in the Department of Microbiology, University of Ruhuna, Faculty of Medicine since 2007. By the end of 2015, a fully equipped molecular laboratory was established using the equipment donated by Prof. Christopher Woods (DGHI and HYC) and the necessary training/ testing protocols provided by Prof. Duane Gubler (Duke- National University of Singapore) and Dr. Dharshan de Silva (Director, Genetech Research Institute, Colombo). This laboratory allowed for ELISA and PCR testing, including testing dengue IgM/ IgG ELISA and Dengue PCR under the SEARCh study. In 2017, sample testing of two main research studies (a PhD research on MRSA and dengue study) were initiated at the laboratory, and since then, many more studies have been conducted successfully.

In 2018, the Collaboration helped confront a public health crisis in the country. Investigators and trainees from the Duke-Ruhuna collaboration assisted THK clinicians and public health authorities by providing RT- PCR testing for an epidemic of influenza, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus that was causing pediatric deaths in Southern Sri Lanka. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Collaboration was able to conduct surveillance testing for the Ministry of Health.

New Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory

In 2025, construction for a new Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory was initiated at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna. Housed on the fifth floor of a new 12-story building, this facility will accelerate the ability to conduct diagnostic testing, and will also provide new opportunities for training students in molecular methods. The facility is expected to be completed in 2026.