Equipments

The National Antivenom and Vaccine Production Centre is equipped with a variety of modern efficient machines and advanced instruments that serve accomplishing and preparing the antivenoms in their final dosage forms, their quality control and developing of treatment protocols for envenomed victims. Some of the equipments are:

  1.   A water plant comprising a reverse osmosis unit, a cationic and anionic exchange unit and a ring main system of stainless steel pipes, pumps and valves incorporating a synchronized system of filters, ultra-violet sterilizing lamps, recording panels, etc. The plant produces sterilized water for injection of super quality. A synchronized line for ampoule production consisting of an automated ampoule washing machine linked to a recycling station of purified water a tunnel for sterilizing ampoules through heating to 300^oC under HEPA-filtered air and an automatic filling and sealing machine capable of filling of 4000 - 6000 ampoules per hour. The line is perfectly synchronized and adjusted through a series of computerized sensors and panels. A back-up semi-automatic filling machine is also available.

  2.   A system of chilled water (2^oC-8^oC) and heated water (30^oC-80^oC) through large capacity chillers and� thermostatically controlled powerful heating pumps and a network of non-return valves, stainless steel pipes and double jacketed highly polished stainless steel containers is used for fractionation of plasma, enzyme digestion of immunoglobulins and dialysis and tangential filtration of the immunoglobulin fractions.

  3.   A tangential filtration system comprising pellicon membrane cassettes, a specialized pump, an array of tubing�s and valves and stainless steel prefilters all synchronized and adjusted through a displaying panel and pre-tested program. The system is used for diafiltration and concentration of antivenom solutions.

  4.   Large capacity cooling centrifuges operated by a computerized program.

  5.   Physical measurement instruments including spectrophotometers, pH meters, conductimeters, etc.

  6.   Biological measurement instrument including 4-channel physiographic, electronic stimulators, organ baths and transducers and a computerized temperature recording system for pyrogen testing.

  7.   A back up reverse osmosis and milli Q units for water purification needed for plasma processing. A mega pure distillation unit is also available.

  8.   Incubators, autoclaves, freeze-driers, analytical balance, etc.

  9.   An ELISA system for developing assay procedures to detect venoms in the biological fluids of victims and follow their levels during serotherapy.

10. Columns, detectors, a fraction collector and phast gel electrophoresis system for fractionation of venoms, toxin preparation and identification of venom antigens.