THE WEST Visayas State University Medical Center recently opened its fifth laboratory to boost the Covid19 testing capacity in Iloilo City.

Dr. Anna Sumbong, WVSUMC’s chief pathologist, said the new lab can test 150 specimens per day. Results of the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test can be known in 24 to 48 hours.

The university said patients, frontliners, hospital employees, and WVSU students will be given priority.

“They may use their Philippine Health Insurance Corporation insurance for the Covid19 testing. Non–PhilHealth members will still be accommodated but shall pay P3,800 for the testing,” WVSU said.

The testing center, the 13th Covid19 laboratory in the region, is under the auspices of West Visayas State University.

“This new facility is a manifestation of the university’s commitment to deliver quality healthcare to the Ilonggos and to the rest of the region,” WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz said.

“The laboratory will not solely test Covid19 but also other infectious diseases or agents in the future,” he added.