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Automated COVID laboratory system developed

Philippines | National

Automated COVID laboratory system developed

By Dhel Nazario

A firm assisted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has developed a system that automates COVID-19 laboratory processes and reduce human interaction.

(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Pena said during his weekly report last Friday that HYBrain Development Corp., assisted by the DOST Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), was commissioned by San Miguel Foundation to develop a Laboratory Information System (LIS) for San Miguel Molecular Laboratory to run COVID-19 testing.

The LIS known as MEDtrix Labs automates laboratory processes and reduces the interaction of laboratory technicians and laboratory clients to an average of six minutes from the moment they step inside the swabbing area up until the specimen is collected.

HYBrain digitized the case investigation forms by allowing it to be filled out online, PhilHealth forms to be completed electronically, and appointment confirmation for swabbing of specimen schedules to be done through email and text messaging through the information system.

The system generates the test results for the Department of Health (DOH) and submits it electronically allowing for faster processing of individuals compared to paper processing.

These digitized processes made the testing laboratory the first automated COVID-19 testing laboratory in the country.

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