Global Health & Medicine 2022;4(5):289-291.

The development of SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing methods at a designated medical institution for specific infectious diseases in Japan

Motohashi A

Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we have been conducting polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at this facility since March 2020. In the early days, the PCR testing system had limited capabilities, so testing had to be conducted manually and only a few tests were conducted. Moreover, we lacked sufficient experience to conduct PCR testing manually, so we struggled with the manual work, which required intense concentration, and we felt pressured not to make mistakes such as allowing contamination. Since we introduced upgraded equipment, new methods, and additional staff for testing and we cooperated with the clinical technologist on the night shift in the Emergency Department, we are currently able to conduct urgent PCR testing on more than 2,000 specimens per month 24 hours a day. We will continue to meet new needs for COVID-19 treatment with the cooperation of other departments.

DOI: 10.35772/ghm.2022.01010

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