VOICED : Hospital empieza a usar pruebas moleculares rápidas de covid-19 fabricadas en Perú

Peru has started using locally manufactured rapid molecular tests for COVID-19, reducing diagnosis time to 45 minutes. Previously, imported tests took 48 hours. The RT-LAM methodology, used for diseases like Zika and tuberculosis, has been adapted for COVID-19. The Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue offers these tests for free, aiming to process over 2,000 tests monthly. However, current demand is lower, with about 60 tests conducted monthly. Peru has over 33,000 COVID-19 deaths and 835,000 cases.

What is the main advantage of the new COVID-19 tests introduced in Lima?

• They provide results in 45 minutes.

• They require no special equipment.

• They are cheaper than imported tests.

• They are available in all hospitals.

What is the key difference between RT-LAM and traditional testing methods?

• RT-LAM is more expensive.

• RT-LAM uses a thermoblock for isothermal reactions.

• RT-LAM requires less sample volume.

• RT-LAM uses a thermocycler.

For which diseases was the RT-LAM technique previously used in Peru?

• Malaria and dengue

• Zika and tuberculosis

• Influenza and measles

• HIV and hepatitis

What is the projected monthly testing capacity at the hospital using the new methodology?

• 5,000 tests

• 2,000 tests

• 1,000 tests

• 500 tests

What is the current average number of tests conducted due to decreased demand?

• 30 tests

• 60 tests

• 200 tests

• 100 tests