NATIONAL NEWS - A backlog in Covid-19 testing is creating a challenge in the management of the coronavirus outbreak, according to Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.
He said in the absence of a rapid-test solution, the decision is to prioritise healthcare workers, those in hospital and those at high risk in order to ensure the most efficient way of managing the curve of the disease.
According to the National Health Minister Zweli Mkhize's daily Covid update on Friday 29 May, a total of 96 480 specimens were unprocessed (on 25 May). On the previous day it was over 100 000.
Mkhize said that it is being caused by a shortage in reagents. "The number of tests conducted, versus the specimens collected but not yet processed, fluctuates on a daily basis."
He says this is caused by the limited availability of test kits globally. "We engage suppliers all over the world and have issued licenses through SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority) as part of mitigating this capacity challenge."
He said while specimens to test for Covid-19 are being collected from the community screening campaign, priority is given to processing specimens that are received from patients who are admitted to hospital and health care workers.
Figures provided by Mkhize showed that the backlog grew fast since 9 May. On 9 May 49 550 specimens were unprocessed. This increased to 58 930 on 14 May and 101 007 on 21 May. The last figure provided was on 25 May when 96 480 specimens were unprocessed.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde earlier this week expressed concern over a backlog of 18 000 Covid-19 tests in the province for which results are being awaited. Since 25 April, the number of tests conducted in the province has increased by 400%, which added to factors causing the backlog at the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS). By Monday 25 May, a total of 124 079 tests have been completed in the province.
NHLS
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) said in a statement that it is experiencing challenges regarding the extraction and test kits in that ordered supplies could not be delivered due to logistical challenges that were outside of the NHLS’ control. "As a result of the global shortage of extraction test kits, the supply of stock is sporadic for some of the key products. The NHLS has placed orders with the suppliers to meet our testing capacity of 36 000 tests per day; however, we are only receiving limited quantities when the suppliers have them available."
The NHLS said it continues to engage with international suppliers to expedite the delivery of the test kits. It is on average conducting 60 000 tests per week with the kits they have available.
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