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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Valenzuela LGU launches own molecular, serology labs

Valenzuela LGU launches own molecular, serology labs

Published Aug 20, 2020 04:12 pm

The local government of Valenzuela City has launched two coronavirus disease (COVID-19) laboratories that will accelerate the city's efforts in detecting virus carriers in the city.

Through the launching of the city's own molecular and serology laboratories, the local government will now be able to process thousands of samples per day, allowing them to immediately identify, isolate, and treat COVID-19 patients.

Valenzuela City's own molecular and serology laboratory (Valenzuela LGU/MANILA BULLETIN)

The molecular laboratory will be able to run 270 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests per day, while the serology laboratory will be able to run some 1,300 samples daily using Abbott machines, according to Mayor Rex Gatchalian.

The local government said "both laboratories are also expected to complement the operations of the 24/7 Valenzuela City Mega Contact Tracing Center which now operates in full swing."

According to the city's public information office, the molecular laboratory is already on Stage 4 of the accreditation process of the Department of Health.

An additional PCR machine will also be procured soon, which will double the city’s capacity for processing specimens to 540 a day.

An ordinance has also been passed by the city council to exempt from laboratory testing fees the specimens taken through RT-PCR testing.

Meanwhile, in building a serology lab that will use Abbott machines, Gatchalian said its purpose is to be able to immediately test the city’s many factory workers.

He said this is because they are among the vulnerable communities and they contribute to the city's economy.

"So will be able to determine who has the immunity or who needs to work from home or who is vulnerable," he added, noting that he wants the city’s employers to have a "profile" of their workforce.

Gatchalian said he is hoping that the new laboratories will "provide excess capacity again" and that the city will be “more proactive once we get running."

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