PCR laboratory put into use in Yizhou

A medical staff member is taking samples for nucleic acid testing. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

A newly built PCR (polymerize chain reaction) nucleic acid laboratory was officially put into use in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Yizhou District in Hechi to further improve the city's capabilities of maintaining normalized novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic prevention and control measures.

After the hospital's PCR laboratory is put into use, it will better play its role as an outpost for COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control, facilitating the timely screening of patients with suspected COVID-19 cases, as well as effectively responding to the threat of sudden and infectious diseases.

The laboratory has a total area of about 80 square meters. It is a secondary negative pressure PCR laboratory, which is divided into four areas: a reagent preparation area, a specimen processing area, an amplification area, and a product analysis area.

The area division of labor is designed to ensure the safety of the laboratory's internal and external environments, effectively preventing cross-infection. Nucleic acid testing can produce results within 12 to 24 hours, effectively shortening the clinical diagnosis time, as well as providing rapid, convenient, and accurate diagnosis for the preliminary screening of patients. The lab will provide strong technical support for the COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control measures in the city.