MELAKA – The state government, through the Melaka Biotechnology Corporation (PBM), has been given the nod by the Health Ministry for its Covid-19 diagnostic laboratory to carry out RT-PCR and RTK-Ag laboratory tests to detect Covid-19 infections.
The Melaka Chief Minister’s Office said in a statement yesterday that the PBM Diagnostic Laboratory would be supported by the Tracvirus system.
“With the approval, effective yesterday, PBM is now allowed to carry out both tests, thus being able to support screening activities carried out by Health Ministry health facilities and help expedite efforts to control the pandemic in the community,” he said.
The office said that the laboratory would be able to accept a total of 250 RT-PCR samples and RTK-antigen tests daily.
“RT-PCR test results can be obtained within 24 hours while the results of RTK-antigen tests can be obtained in less than an hour.
“This will give an extra option to private hospitals and clinics in Melaka, which offer Covid-19 swab tests, to get RT-PCR tests with this laboratory,” he said.
The statement also said that apart from laboratory tests, PBM would also offer mobile or on-site screening services for Covid-19, with the cooperation of panel clinics and hospitals.
Individuals or companies that want to conduct Covid-19 screening tests can contact the laboratory at 010-530 2600 for advance bookings.
The office said that with the latest PBM laboratory facilities, the state government hoped it would not only help to reduce the sample load of Melaka Hospital, but also that of the Health Ministry’s facilities, especially in the southern zone involving Johor and Negri Sembilan.
“So far, there are 35 private facilities recognised to carry out tests nationwide, including this new private laboratory in Melaka,” it said. – Bernama, June 3, 2021
