ZCZC
BSS-17
TEST-COVID-19-RANGPUR (with picture)
COVID-19 Laboratory tests 89 more samples in Rangpur
RANGPUR, April 9, 2020 (BSS) – The trained physicians, technologists and technicians today tested 89 more samples of suspected coronavirus (COVID-19) infected patients at the COVID-19 Laboratory in Rangpur city.
Heath officials said a total of 267 collected samples of suspected COVID-19 patients of Rangpur division have been tested since April 3 at the COVID-19 Laboratory installed at the Department of Microbiology at Rangpur Medical College (RMC).
Earlier, collected samples of 56 suspected COVID-19 patients from all eight districts of the division were tested on Wednesday, 53 on Tuesday, 27 on Monday and 42 samples on the first day on last Friday at the laboratory.
“Testing samples of suspected COVID-19 infected patients are being conducted here smoothly,” said Head of the Department of Microbiology of RMC and Superintendent of its COVID-19 Laboratory Associate Professor Dr. Mostakimur Rahman.
The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) continues extending assistance and supports and providing kits and other inputs to the COVID-19 Laboratory for conducting tests of collected samples from suspected patients.
“Beginning from the morning, we are completing the whole testing process of samples like throat swabs, blood and sweat and cough of suspected patients at the laboratory within five to six hours,” Dr. Rahman said.
The results of the 89 samples tested today will be sent to the IEDCR from the COVID-19 Laboratory at RMC later today like in the previous days.
Principal of RMC Professor Dr. AKM Nurunnabi Laizu said the COVID-19 Laboratory has a capacity to test samples of 94 suspected patients simultaneously using 94 well plates once a day using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine.
“During the testing process, two well plates, out of the total available 96 well plates received from the IEDCR, are being kept for displaying results of COVID-19 positive or COVID-19 negative,” he added.
Focal Point of the COVID-19 Laboratory and Lecturer (Virology) of the Department of Microbiology at RMC Dr. MA Aziz said trained technologists are collecting the samples of suspected COVID-19 patients from all eight districts of Rangpur division.
The collection process of samples is being conducted under strict supervision of Civil Surgeons, Superintendents of District Sadar Hospitals and Surveillance Immunization Medical Officers of the World Health Organisation across the division.
“Later, the collected samples are being sent daily to the COVID-19 Laboratory at RMC to test using the PCR machine maintaining international standards to get correct results,” Dr. Aziz added.
BSS/MI/MMA/1540HRS