THE Los Amigos Davao Laboratory received its license to operate on June 22, 2021 from the Department of Health (DOH) and it is expected to soon hasten turnaround time for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing results.
The facility, which is intended for Covid-19 (Sars-CoV-2) testing, is valid to operate until December 31, 2021. It is located in Purok 6, B5, Los Amigos, Tugbok District in Davao City.
Davao City Covid-19 Task Force spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser on Monday, June 28, said, "The Los Amigos molecular laboratory, aside from decongesting the SPMC Molecular Laboratory, will be able to give the turnaround of results faster."
She said that since the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Molecular Laboratory has exceeded its limit of accepting RT-PCR swab samples, the new facility will address the backlog.
"As soon as we have addressed the backlog, or as soon as we decongest the SPMC at hindi na ma maximum or exceeded limit amg molecular laboratory, pretty sure Saturday and Sunday swabbings will resume," Schlosser told the City Information Office (CIO).
The Saturday and Sunday swabbings were recently temporarily suspended, according to her, as the SPMC Molecular Laboratory could no longer accept samples beyond its allowable maximum limit.
Swabbing is usually held from Mondays to Sundays at Sta. Ana Health Center, Crocodile Park, and Magsaysay Park. Dr. Schossler said Sta. Ana is currently under quarantine and may resume operation within this week.
She added, "Mas mabilis ang testing with a new molecular laboratory at mas mabilis ang turnaround ng results (Testing is faster with a new molecular laboratory and turnaround of results is also faster)."
The SPMC Molecular Laboratory usually releases RT-PCR test results within two to three days but with the huge number of individuals being swabbed due to the surge of Covid-19 cases, it often reaches a maximum of five days to provide the results.
Schossler said, "I hope we will be able to achieve two to three days. As much as possile, we want to give the results right away aron dili kaayo maguol while waiting tong natest (so that those tested won't be anxious while waiting for the result). They will also go on with their usual activities, secured that they are already negative. Para sa ilahang work requirements (It is important as a work requirement), we don't want them to hamper their usual activities as their work is at stake."
She said the Los Amigos Davao Laboratory will soon start operating once logistics requirements have been completed although manpower is already in place.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, during her Special Hours Program of the Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Monday, June 28, said there is no plan yet on adding swab centers amid the surge of Covid-19 cases. (PR)