Indonesia is facing challenges in conducting PCR tests for COVID-19. (Image via Liputan6.com)

Health Ministry: Our PCR lacks manpower and equipment

Alfonsus Adi Putra
Business & Industry
Medical and Health
Apr 22, 2020
1805
Health Ministry’s Expert Staff, Alex K. Ginting, stated that the ministry is facing obstacles in conducting massive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test amid the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Indonesia. PCR is hailed by medical experts for its accuracy in detecting the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).

Speaking on Tuesday, Alex said that the reagent availability is one of the problems. The reagent is fluid to detect the virus’s genetic properties. However, should the liquid be available, Indonesia still needs more labs and experts to operate the PCR tests. He said that not all reagents are compatible with all PCR machines. There should be link-and-match for certain types.

All PCR machines in Indonesia were imported. Therefore, the reagents are required to be imported as well. Alex said that due to the pandemic, many countries need primary reagents. However, since the producer companies are announcing lockdown, the availability became scarce.

On 15 April, the Indonesian government brought at least 150,000 reagents to support COVID-19 tests. However, just yesterday, the government’s spokesperson for COVID-19, Achmad Yurianto, admitted that the lab has not received the reagents; hence, the procedure is halted.

Not only the reagents but also manpower and facility are the hindrances. At least, “Level 2” Laboratory Biosafety (LBS) is required to run a PCR test, and a vast amount of manpower – experts in clinical pathology or biomolecular - to detect the virus using PCR machines.

Alex stated that rapid test could be used for initial detection because it is easier and faster. The practitioner can also conduct a rapid test without having to be afraid of infection. Yurianto stated that the PCR test is prioritized for patients under treatment (PDP), while rapid tests for people under surveillance (ODP).

Until yesterday, the Indonesian government had analyzed 50,370 specimens from 46,173 people using PCR testing.

According to the result, the COVID-19 positive cases cumulatively reached 7,135 cases. From the number, 616 people died while 842 recovered. SARS-CoV-2 had spread to 257 regencies/cities throughout all Indonesian provinces.

Source: https://bit.ly/2Vq6xYP

Medical , Health , Pandemic , Coronavirus , COVID-19 , ASEAN , Indonesia