The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is now conducting mass testing at its two new testing laboratories that are capable of detecting faster the new coronavirus.
After receiving accreditation from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), the PRC’s molecular testing laboratories can test as many as 2,000 patients per day, double than the RITM’s current capacity of 1,000.
The RITM releases test results in five to seven days while the PRC’s laboratories can deliver within 24 to 48 hours.
The new testing machines, installed at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong, were bought from Changsha, China, and are similar to those being used in Wuhan.
The laboratories can conduct 96 tests per hour and will operate 24/7, according to Senator Richard Gordon, PRC chairman.
Seven medical professionals are assigned to man the labs for each shift which consists of three staff.
The senator also said that there are 10 more machines waiting for approval.
These equipment had to be flown through a chartered flight from China to the Philippines, Gordon said.
The PRC chartered a Philippine Airlines (PAL) aircraft to fly in the additional 10 testing machines and eight RNA Automated Extractors.
Also brought in were 72,000 RNA testing kits, 72,000 throat swabs, and 90,000 nasal swabs.
Earlier, PRC bought two PCR machines, one unit of RNA, and 12,000 testing kits and swabs which arrived on 31 March.
Senator Gordon said support was extended by Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Chito Sta. Romana, Philippine Ambassador to China, who helped secure flight clearances to Changsha in China where PAL has no flight entitlement.
He said these machines are capable of detecting other deadly illnesses like tuberculosis, cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, dengue, malaria, hepatitis and Zika virus.
The Senator said the PRC plans to set up three more COVID-19 testing laboratories around Metro Manila and 11 in the provinces.
The humanitarian organization also established a call center operated by trained volunteers where individuals who may be feeling COVID-19 symptoms can call through contact number 1158.