RC3ID and Esco Utama: Advancing Infectious Disease Research in Indonesia
Indonesia's Ongoing Fight Against Tuberculosis
Indonesia continues to face a high number of infectious disease cases, particularly Tuberculosis (TB). This has encouraged researchers nationwide to constantly develop new treatments and preventive measures. Consequently, numerous research centers have been established to address these challenges.
About RC3ID: An Infectious Disease Research Center in Bandung
The Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Diseases (RC3ID), based in Bandung, Indonesia, conducts research to advance the prevention, diagnosis, and control of infectious diseases. Through its research facilities and collaborations with national and international partners, RC3ID contributes to scientific knowledge and evidence generation to support responses to infectious diseases in Indonesia and beyond. One of RC3ID’s ongoing initiatives is the ATTIS study, an international research collaboration involving Indonesia and South Africa. The study aims to generate evidence relevant to the identification and understanding of tuberculosis in the study population.
Supporting Infectious Disease Research at RC3ID Through Laboratory Solutions
To ensure world-class outcomes, dr. Todia Pediatama Setiabudiawan, MD, MSc, PhD, Head of Laboratory, RC3ID, emphasized the need for laboratory equipment and instruments that meet international standard. After careful curation, RC3ID trusted Esco Utama to provide several crucial equipment, among which are biological safety cabinets, laboratory refrigerators, and ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers. These solutions are intended to support the center's various research activities by maintaining controlled conditions required in their BSL-1 and BSL-2+ facilities.
Each plays a role in supporting RC3ID's research and operations:
- Streamline® Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) is an essential piece when it comes to infectious disease research. Biological safety cabinets (BSCs) provide a controlled workspace designed to help protect personnel, samples, and the surrounding environment when handling potentially infectious materials. The level of protection depends on the cabinet’s class, proper installation, maintenance, and correct use. Considering its critical role, dr. Setiabudiawan also highlighted the importance of long-term manufacturer support. Esco Utama’s aftersales service was one of the main considerations in the selection.
- Esco Laboratory Refrigerator facilitates appropriate reagent storage for molecular research (i.e., CRISPR). In this case, a laboratory-grade refrigerator is non-negotiable as it is designed with strict temperature uniformity, making it suitable for laboratory applications.
- Lexicon® II Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT) Freezer will be utilized for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) isolates that may be used for further studies.
Together, these equipment support RC3ID's operations by providing reliable storages and safe work area for its personnel.
Research Focus: TB, Dengue, HIV, and Antimicrobial Resistance
Combining laboratory-grade supporting equipment with state-of-the-art instruments, RC3ID is ready to tackle various areas of infectious disease research. RC3ID conducts research across several infectious disease areas, including tuberculosis (TB), dengue, HIV, and antimicrobial resistance. The center continues to explore opportunities for research development and collaboration in other areas of infectious diseases, in line with its research priorities and institutional strategy. The center welcomes partnerships across academia, industry, and government to accelerate scientific progress in collective response to infectious diseases.
A Partnership Built on Long-Term Service and Support
The collaboration between Esco Utama and RC3ID demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing infectious disease research through dependable laboratory solutions. Through the provision of laboratory equipment and technical support, Esco Utama contributes to the infrastructure supporting RC3ID’s research activities.
Beyond equipment supply, access to reliable after-sales service and maintenance support helps sustain equipment performance and laboratory operations over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is RC3ID?
The Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Diseases (RC3ID) at Universitas Padjadjaran is a research center based in Bandung, Indonesia. Its research activities address infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, dengue, HIV, and antimicrobial resistance.
2. What Esco equipment does RC3ID use?
RC3ID uses Esco Streamline® biological safety cabinets, Esco laboratory refrigerators, and Lexicon® II ultra-low temperature freezers, supplied by Esco Utama for its BSL-1 and BSL-2+ facilities.
3. Why is a biological safety cabinet needed for TB research?
A biological safety cabinet provides a controlled work zone that protects personnel, samples, and the environment when handling infectious material.
4. How does RC3ID store Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates?
RC3ID will store Mtb isolates in a Lexicon® II ultra-low temperature freezer for use in further studies.