DOST turns over ‘no contact’ specimen collection booth

Health care workers of Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital observe how the booth works, especially in extracting specimen to the patients. (PIA)

By Liez’l Marie Lamasan 

 

SAN JOSE, Antique – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST 6) recently turned over a “no-contact” specimen collection booth to Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH) here, as part of its efforts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

Antique Provincial Science and Technology director Abraham Fabila said the specimen collection booth enables medical practitioners to extract the specimen of the patients without having a physical contact with them.

“The booth material has a barrier for the patient and medical staff. This is one of the initiatives of DOST to contribute in lessening the impact of the pandemic,” Fabila shared.

To prevent the contamination, the booth retains a positive pressure inside which comes from a ventilator that bears a filter.

A built-in screen was also dedicated to show the pressure difference inside the booth.

According to Fabila, DOST has also tapped Iloilo Science and Technology – University (ISAT-U) and Technological University of the Philippines (TUP-Visayas) for the fabrication of the specimen collection booth which was also distributed to various hospitals in Western Visayas. (PIA)