ARC

ARC matches academic resource offers to diagnostic laboratory needs to mitigate shortages of equipment, consumables, and reagents for SARS-CoV-2 testing and research within Switzerland.

Key Features:

• Resource Matching: Matches specific laboratory needs for equipment, consumables, reagents, and expertise with offers from academic groups.
• Matching Algorithm: Uses an algorithmic matching process to identify optimal pairings between submitted needs and available offers.
• Open-source Customization: Provides an open-source technology base that can be adapted for regional requirements or future crises.
• Centralized Coordination: Maintains centralized oversight to coordinate, prioritize, and track matched resource transactions.
• Validation Process: Implements validation mechanisms to ensure that submitted needs and offers meet predefined criteria.

Scientific Applications:

• SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics: Supports diagnostic laboratories by supplying resources required for virus detection and testing workflows.
• Epidemiological studies: Facilitates epidemiological research through improved access to laboratory supplies that enable data collection and analysis.
• Academic contributions to public health: Enables academic groups to provide supplies and expertise directly to diagnostic and research efforts.

Methodology:

Computational steps explicitly include needs assessment by diagnostic laboratories, offer submission by academic groups, processing of inputs by a matching algorithm, and centralized coordination and validation of matches.