LETTER | Covid-19 screening – not as straightforward as one might think
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LETTER | We wish to state firstly, that the cost for Real-Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerese Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) tests are inherently high not due to profit margins but instead because of the various resources required to run them.
A single RT-PCR test requires not only the test kit but also PPE for the doctors and their team, sanitisation and proper clinical waste disposal as well as high-level laboratory costs.
In addition, there is significant time and resources needed in terms of reporting of all tests done, notification of positive cases via E-notification, emails, fax or call within 24 hours in compliance with the Health Ministry’s SOPs and guidelines.