Quezon opens new testing lab for COVID-19

The newly inaugurated Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory 2+ in Lucena City, Quezon Province started processing COVID-19 swab samples on Tuesday afternoon.

The facility received its operating license and WHO accreditation from the Department of Health on the same day.

Dr. Gerardo Carmelo Salazar, LUDHMC president, confirmed that they have accepted 15 initial swab sample specimens for testing.

Currently, the laboratory is designated to process samples only from hospitals in Lucena City and Quezon province, with an initial capacity of 48-60 samples per week until reaching a target of 90 samples daily.

The provincial government expects this lab to enhance their management and control over COVID-19 cases, as it passed the proficiency test conducted by DOH last week.

Lucena City Mayor Roderick Alcala and Governor Danilo Suarez pledged PHP6 million each for the laboratory's initial operations.