PHC orders labs conducting rapid corona tests sealed

NIH has not recommended serological or immunochromatographic rapid screening tests

PHOTO: AFP

The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) on Tuesday directed deputy commissioners (DCs) across the province to seal all the laboratories performing rapid tests of the novel coronavirus.

As per section 36 of The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) Act 2010, all the DCs have been instructed to depute officers to seal laboratories found indulgent in conducting rapid tests of the novel coronavirus disregarding the directions of the commission. The officers have also been directed to submit the sealing reports, along with evidence, to the PHC.


It is worth mentioning that the National Institute of Health has not recommended serological or immunochromatographic rapid screening tests for the diagnosis of Covid-19 infections.

The institute has only endorsed Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based testing for the detection of the contagion.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1st, 2020.

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