Batac hospital inaugurates new RT-PCR testing lab

BATAC CITY—Boosting its capability to detect the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) among Northern Luzon residents, state-run Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH&MC) here gets additional accreditation to conduct real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.

The license to operate an RT-PCR test was given by the Department of Health (DOH) which recognizes it as the “gold-standard” in diagnostic confirmation for people who might have contracted Covid-19.

Dr. Maria Lourdes K. Otayza, medical center chief II, called the accreditation a “notable achievement” despite having recorded a third Covid-19 positive case in over two months.

“We share this accomplishment with the provincial government through the leadership of Governor Matthew Marcos-Manotoc,” added Dr. Otayza.

Earlier this month, MMMH&MC was also given a go signal to operate an independent Covid-19 testing molecular laboratory with a first accreditation to conduct rapid PCR test using the alternative GeneXpert machine.

Before these, all specimens from MMMH&MC which needed to undergo Covid-19 testing were forwarded to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Metro Manila and to the Baguio General Hospital Medical Center.

The hospital had to wait for a span of three days for the test results.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sherryl Racelis, MMMH&MC’s epidemiologist, explained that MMMH&MC’s molecular laboratory has increased its testing capacity to 80 specimens per day. She, however, reminded the public that a testing strategy shall be followed in line with DOH guidelines.

“We are currently laying down a plan mostly focusing on a percentage scheme to ensure equal testing coverage of groups in Ilocos Norte and other neighboring provinces and to maximize resources primarily the testing kits,” Dr. Racelis added.

In the meantime, the molecular laboratory shall run Covid-19 tests for specimens directly referred by Municipal and Provincial Health Offices.

With this development, Dr. Otayza vowed to strengthen its cooperation with the PGIN and other non-government sectors amid the continued threat of the viral infection.

“MMMH&MC is full with gratitude for the support and assistance we received not only from our partners in the government but also those in the private sectors as they showed us that we will survive this pandemic together,” she added.

Ilocos Norte is currently under modified general community quarantine until June 30, 2020. (John Michael Mugas)