Health Ministry reports setback in getting private lab to test for COVID-19

 

There has been a further setback in having private laboratories test for COVID-19.

 

It was expected that at least one lab would have now been conducting tests after the Health Ministry disclosed two weeks ago that it was wrapping up negotiations with the entity.

 

However, providing an update at Thursday's COVID-19 media briefing, Dr. Michelle Hamilton, Director of the National Public Health Laboratory, said the lab did not meet all the requirements. 

 

"There is a validation study that has to be conducted; and just to explain that this validation study helps us to determine whether or not the results obtained by labs would be similar to the results we would obtain if we did the test ourselves, and it is very important that this be done prior to giving endorsement of any services, because this is a means of ensuring that we provide accurate and also safe testing," she said.  

 

She said tests are being carried out by private labs but they cannot be endorsed by the Health Ministry.

 

Dr. Hamilton said the ministry will continue to work with the private labs to meet the requirements.