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Ateneo molecular lab gets approval to operate

Philippines | National

Ateneo molecular lab gets approval to operate

By Gabriela Baron

The Ateneo Molecular Pathology Laboratory (AMPLify) has been given approval to operate by the Department of Health (DOH).

(Photo from ADMU)

According to the university, AMPLify got the green light from the DOH Health Facilities and Services Regulatory Bureau on March 23.

Designed for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), AMPLify is a laboratory with Biosafety Level 2 containment designed in accordance with the provisions of the World Health Organization.

"The university exerted great effort and resources getting this project done. Different offices of Ateneo came to our aid to make this project successful," Operations manager of AMPLify Don Malaban said.

According to the university, AMPLify is designed to provide service for routine PCR-based molecular diagnostic testing for COVID-19 with increased testing capabilities with emphasis on faster turnaround time for results.

"The purpose of the detection is either to confirm infection or for clearance required for other purposes like travel and employment," Director of the Ateneo Research Institute for Science and Engineering Dr. Emilyn Espiritu said.

"We want to be more proactive in developing medical technologies and protocols and enhancing human capability to be ready in addressing future pandemic," Espiritu added.

The laboratory will provide free testing for its adopted marginalized community.

Malabanan said the university aims to offer a training program for laboratorians who also want to specialize in molecular diagnosting testing to "build enough human resource capacity as part of our preparation for future inevitable pandemics."

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