Negros Occidental biolab operational by weekend

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed Tuesday that the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine has certified that the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital (TLJPH) molecular laboratory in Silay City can now perform independent testing for COVID-19 using Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).

Lacson said during the press conference that he received the certification Monday night.

“This is a big progress and development in the efforts of the provincial government in handling the COVID pandemic,” he said.

Lacson said that the biolab will be operational by weekend after a series of proficiency tests in the following days to ensure that the lab will be able to operate in full capacity.

“With our very own COVID lab, we will be able to test more Negrenses in a timely manner, including the returning OFWs, Locally Stranded Individuals and returning Negrenses,” he added.

Before the go signal from RITM, the province had to rely on RITM in Muntinlupa City and Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo for COVID-19 tests.

Provincial Administrator said that initially, 250-300 specimens can be tested per day and the results will be known in 2-4 hours.

He said though that a few adjustments can be made to make the tests faster but in the meantime, they are trying to make the medical technologists comfortable and confident in operating the machines.

“Two RT-PCR machines are at the biolab while another one is set to arrive from former congressman Albee Benitez and another one from the Department of Health,” Lacson said.

He also said that the biolab will also cater to Bacolod residents when necessary.