The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine of the Department of Health has given the COVID-19 molecular laboratory at the Valladolid District Hospital compound a 100 percent proficiency test rating, Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said Wednesday, April 21.
The Safeguard DNA Diagnostics Inc. laboratory passed the 2021 pre-licensing proficiency test for SARS-CoV-2 detection by real-time polymerase chain reaction, the RITM said.
With the RITM test result, a DOH license to operate is expected, which will enable the laboratory to operate, Diaz said.
This is perfect timing, the molecular laboratory is needed with the recent surge in COVID-19, he said.*