JAKARTA - The government is expected to always check and re-assure the quality of the COVID-19 tests issued by all laboratories in Indonesia. This warning comes from Griffith University Epidemiologist, Australia Dicky Budiman.
"Regarding incorrect laboratory results, wrong person, wrong name or even not being tested, the results are already out, this is something that can happen and that is why the so-called 'quality assurance' or periodic audit quality assurance is important," he said through voice message received by Antara in Jakarta, Saturday, February 12.
He said that ensuring the quality of the tests and the results of the examinations was very important to ensure that people who were truly infected with COVID-19 could not wander around and receive immediate treatment.
“Let's say out of 1,000 results, for example 500 positive or 500 negative. Make sure that the positive is really positive, the negative is really negative with a quality test," said Dicky.
According to him, an error in the laboratory examination is 1 to 2 percent likely to occur. Even states like New South Wales in Australia have experienced the same thing.
He explained that more than 100 cases that were supposed to be positive for COVID-19 had tested negative. However, not long after that, the government immediately conducted audits within a month or three months to improve controls in dealing with the pandemic, one of which was on the quality of laboratories.
“If what should be positive is then negative, he can go anywhere. This is dangerous and involves trust. I think it's time, starting from the procedures for taking transportation, inspection, delivery, all of which must be ensured that the quality or standards meet national quality," he said.
He advised the government to carry out stronger, more intensive and periodic full monitoring and evaluation so that all forms of control can run well.
The government also needs to prevent the occurrence of "overload" and errors that arise due to fatigued health workers, by distributing or quotas of tasks assigned to health workers equitably.
“Once again, this is an important lesson. While we are in this situation, we will strengthen the quality of our laboratories to face the next potential threats, even in peaceful situations,” said Dicky Budiman.
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