Bulacan’s 2nd coronavirus testing lab opens

The Bulacan Molecular Laboratory, a testing facility for SARS Cov2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, begins its operation on Wednesday (July 15). CARMELA REYES-ESTROPE

CITY OF MALOLOS—Bulacan’s second coronavirus testing facility opened on Wednesday (July 15).

The Bulacan Molecular Laboratory, which is accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), can conduct 96 tests per run in a span of 3 to 4 hours using the polymerase chain reaction or PCR, which detects presence of antigen, or toxins, instead of antibodies.

Gov. Daniel Fernando has called on hospitals and companies in Metro Manila to inform the local government units in Bulacan about workers living in the province who would test positive for the virus.

This would help the province in contact tracing and preventing the spread of the disease, he said.

Bulacan has already 726 COVID-19 cases, many of whom involved workers who are regularly staying or have travel history to Metro Manila, the epicenter of COVID-19 in the Philippines.

The province has recorded 247 recoveries and 39 deaths.

Last month, local officials also opened a GeneXpert laboratory inside the Bulacan Medical Center Laboratory.

LZB