LICENSE TO OPERATE. The Bulacan Molecular and Diagnostic Laboratory located at the Bulacan Medical Center can start the Covid-19 testing using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after receiving its license to operate. The facility can accommodate 96 tests per run in the span of three to four hours using the PCR machine, the Provincial Health Office said on Wednesday (Aug. 19, 2020). (Photo by Manny Balbin)
CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – The Bulacan Molecular and Diagnostic Laboratory located at the Bulacan Medical Center here can now start the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) testing using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after receiving its license to operate.
Dr. Hjordis Celis, Provincial Health Officer II, and in-charge of the laboratory, on Wednesday said the facility can accommodate 96 tests per run in the span of three to four hours using the PCR machine.
Celis said the laboratory has undergone competency examination and proficiency testing on August 3.
In August 13, she said the final testing for the laboratory licensing was conducted and was officially given the license to operate on August 17.
Celis said those who want to avail of the services of the laboratory can call 791-0630 local 139 or email at [email protected] for laboratory scheduling.
“No walk-in patients would be entertained,” she said.
Like the previously launched and now operating Bulacan Medical Center GeneXpert Laboratory, the Bulacan Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory can also be used to test gathered specimens for TB, flu, HIV and Hepatitis B and C by using PCR, DNA and RNA that can be quantified and be used to detect the presence of specific virus or bacterium.
Meanwhile, Dr. Joy Gomez, chief of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said 158 patients recovered from Covid-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 1,057.
The most number of new recoveries were from the City of San Jose Del Monte with 86; followed by Obando with 27; Baliwag with seven; Meycauayan and Plaridel with five each; for Balagtas, Paombong, San Ildefonso and Sta. Maria with four each; Calumpit with three; Pandi and Angat with two each; and Guiguinto, Hagonoy, Malolos, Norzagaray, and Pulilan with one each.
Gomez also said that there are 29 new confirmed Covid-19 cases for a total number of 2,262 while the total number of deaths is 64. (PNA)
