BACOLOD CITY—Another laboratory would be added to the city’s capacity to test for SARS Cov2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and scale up efforts against the highly contagious disease.
The new lab is taking shape at Riverside Medical Center Inc. (RMCI) and was initially projected to have the capacity of 192 tests per day once it opens on Dec. 1, according to hospital director Ma. Antonia Gensoli.
The tests will gradually build up to 300 per day, Gensoli said.
Dr. David Pedroza, head of the RMCI molecular biology section, said the laboratory will provide greater flexibility and space for added testing capacity as Bacolod City endures continued community transmission of SARS Cov2.
Results of tests at the RMCI laboratory are expected to be released in 24 to 72 hours.
“The laboratory strives to maintain and keep the facility and its equipment relevant across a variety of disciplines from infectious disease to oncology,” said Pedroza. Oncology is the study and treatment of tumors.
He said the new lab “will complement the growing demand for specialized testing.”
Aside from the one that would open in RMCI, four other labs are being operated in Bacolod for SARS Cov2 testing—the one in Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, one operated by the Philippine Red Cross, one in The Doctors’ Hospital and another one in Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital.