Two New PCR Kits Allow Authorities To Test 10 Thousand Specimens Per Day

Photo illustration of a rapid test drive thru in West Java (Twitter / @ ridwankamil)

JAKARTA - The government has added 20 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) devices imported from Switzerland. PCR is a method for testing COVID-19 specimens.

Special Staff to the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Arya Mahendra Sinulingga explained that this tool has been coming since last week and is now ready to be distributed. Now there is a growing hope that the data collection process can be carried out more quickly and broadly.

"We know there is a shortage in the number of tools. So the laboratory test process is rather slow. These tools are already in Indonesia and some have been installed. With this, Indonesia can get more people affected by corona," said Arya at a press conference at Graha BNPB, East Jakarta, Wednesday, April 8.

There are two types of PCR equipment purchased by the Ministry of BUMN. The first is two sets of MagNa Pure 96. This tool, which automatically tests for RNA, can be used to test a thousand specimens per device per day. Second, 18 pieces of LightCycler PCR detectors. This tool can test up to five hundred specimens per device per day.

"So, with this tool, when it is installed all day, nine to ten thousand test results can be obtained," said Arya.

Arya continued, all these PCR tools will be distributed to a number of provinces. These areas are DKI Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Bali, Lampung, South Sumatra, North Sumatra, East Kalimantan, South Sulawesi and Papua.

"In the regions it will be sent as soon as possible, after being installed in two weeks. Arriving at the location, it will be directed. If the hospital has negative pressure, then it can be used," said Arya.

For information, PCR is a process of testing COVID-19 specimens. This tool can inform someone who has positive or negative indications for the corona virus by using a saliva sample, both from the larynx and the bridge of the nose.