BUTUAN CITY - The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) opened its molecular laboratory in Surigao Del Norte on Thursday, December 10, after
passing the proficiency test on Wednesday, December 9.
The newly built molecular laboratory, which will serve the entire Northeastern Mindanao or Caraga region and its nearby province, is equipped with two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines and one ribonucleic acid (RNA) extractor that can process up to 2,000 tests for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a day.
“This is our 12th molecular lab and will become operational soon
after running a successful proficiency test and is just waiting to
complete the requirements in compliance with the Department of
Health (DOH),” said PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Senator Richard Gordon in a statement.
“After being hit by consecutive typhoons, we must remember that
we have a bigger enemy ahead of us which is the virus,” he said.
“With the completion of the Surigao molecular laboratory, we can
pave the way to test more people and help stop the spread of the
virus,” Sen. Gordon added.
The PRC is also set to open a new molecular laboratory in Passi, Iloilo, to further boost the province’s testing capacity for COVID-19, which is
currently 44,000 tests a day.