The Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital Molecular Laboratory (NOPH-ML) has experienced some minor technical problems with one of its extractors in testing Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) swab samples.
Dr. Nikko Paolo Cablao, head of the NOPH-ML said the “error” is minimal, and it hardly affected their operations.
The extractor, donated by the Energy Development Corporation (ED), encountered some technical error which they already reported to the supplier for further action, Cablao said. It malfunctioned in December 2020 but has yet to be repaired.
Fortunately for NOPH-ML, Cablao said it has two other extractors keeping their operations seamless.
The NOHPH-ML is already working in two shifts (7 am-3 pm and 3 pm-11 pm), thanks to the new workforce provided by the Integrated Provincial Health Offi ce and the Department of Health, eliminating backlogs.
Cablao said, compared to other laboratories, they still have a lot to improve, like improving their data management.
EDC kits donation
The EDC has donated P5.6 million worth of RT-PCR test kits for Negros oriental, Wednesday, April 28.
Norreen Bautista, EDC Corporate Social Responsibility head, said the donation intends to hasten swab testing and release results from NOPH-ML.
Bautista said the NOPH-ML tests up to 200 swab samples per day, with results released within the day.
Last year, EDC also donated RT-PCR testing machines and other equipment amounting to at least P15 million. (By Ryan Sorote)