The GeneXpert Infinity Systems is a fully automated high throughput sample extraction, PCR amplification and detection system enabling a comprehensive menu of tests to be run on a single system, in a moderately complex, real-time environment. It is a closed system that also allows for smart waste disposal without interrupting operations.

More than 1000 tests results can be obtained in a 24-hour period having less than 60 minutes time to the first result and less than 2 minutes of sample preparation time per test. With these results, clinical healthcare will be more efficient and effective as the GeneXpert Infinity System delivers rapid, actionable results to clinicians. It will foster a seamless workflow to assist healthcare professionals to make more informed and timely patient care decisions.

Saffiatou Darboe is the Manager of the Microbiology Laboratories and spoke about the significance of the GeneXpert. “The acquisition of the GeneXpert Infinity 48-module is a great milestone for MRCG Unit at LSHTM as The Gambia is only the second country after Mauritania in West Africa to obtain this state-of-the-art instrument. Though the Unit has been using GeneXpert since 2012, the largest has been a 16-module GeneXpert which often does not meet the capacity to handle the workload. The 48-module GeneXpert Infinity machine will enable the Microbiology Laboratories to better support the higher level of complexity of the Unit’s research and diagnostic activities.”

Prof Umberto, Unit Director spoke about the Unit’s investment in hi-tech and its vision towards improving health research in the sub-region and beyond: “This new equipment is part of the plan of the Unit to invest over the next 5-10 years in advanced technologies to carry out internationally competitive research and provide health policymakers with potential solutions to improve health care in Africa.

Since its inception 75 years ago, the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine has led innovative and ground-breaking scientific research in Sub-Saharan Africa and globally.

To deliver its vision, the Unit continues to invest in high-tech capacity to support important research across its main themes in Disease Control & Elimination, Vaccines & Immunity, as well as Nutrition & Planetary Health.

The Unit’s laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, with trained technicians managing complex workflows and data generation, delivering real-time results.