The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Zamboanga City Chapter Molecular Laboratory have already tested 375 specimens for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) since its started serving the public last September 4.
Joseline Fernandez, OIC PRC administrator told RPN DXXX Zamboanga, these patients who availed the test were walk-in.
According to Fernandez, some of these patients have exposure to Covid-19 patients, need the test for work requirement, travel, and others.
The said laboratory is now operational and has two machines for conducting the Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Each machines are automated and can test 2,000 samples per day. Each machine can test 1,000 samples.
A total of 25 personnel is manning the laboratory consisting of 15 medical technologist, three laboratory aide, three encoders, three swabbers, and one Pathologist.
They can collect the swab samples at the area by schedule or right at the laboratory. P4,000 testing fee will be collected for those who are interested.
Four laboratories are currently operating: the two Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) laboratories, PRC Molecular Laboratory, and the containerized RT-PCR testing laboratory at the Ciudad Medical Zamboanga (CMZ) hospital. (R.G. Antonet A. Go)
(Source: Interview with Joseline Fernandez, OIC – Philippine Red Cross Administrator)