The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) through its Philippine Genome Center (PGC Visayas), transferred an RT Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine to the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing to complement the existing PCR machine of the same hospital.
With two PCR machines, WVMC can now process more test kits and operate more effectively in diagnosing infected persons and help provide effective medical care to COVID-19 patients.
It can also empower Iloilo City and other local government units in implementing more effective tracing and containment measures.
PGC Visayas also assisted medical technologists from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine by providing them with nuclease-free water that WVMC lacked at that time to try out a different kit.
PGC Visayas (UPV) also lent its Digital Dry Bath that was needed to enable the use of the extraction reagents of the 50,000 testing kits from China.
The PCR Machine of the USA C2B2 Laboratory will also be deployed to increase the COVID-19 Testing capabilities in Iloilo City.
Iloilo City is fortunate to have PCR Machines in WVMC, USA C2B2 Laboratory, Philippine Genome Center Visayas (UPV), South East Asian Fisheries Development Center-Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD) and WVSU.
With increased testing capacity, Iloilo City and province can be better equipped to fight the spread of the COVID-19 infection.
The transfer of the machines became possible through the initiatives of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and the collaboration of Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.; Western Visayas Medical Center; Department of Health-6; IAmUPHi; UPAA; Philippine Genome Center Visayas; USA and USA Balik Scientists; West Visayas State University; SEAFDEC-AQD; Biosafety Officers from Philippine Science High School WVC; medical specialists, epidemiologists, virologists, pathologists, medical technologists and public health specialists; the Office of the Presidential Consultant for Western Visayas; and the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Visayas (OPAV). (https://www.upv.edu.ph)
