NCDC approves COVID-19 test centre for Kwara

By Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has officially designated a test centre for COVID-19 pandemic in Kwara state, chairman of the state’s medical advisory on COVID-19 Dr Femi Oladiji has said.

Oladiji said in a statement that the NCDC approved the automated GeneXpert laboratory, which is stationed at the COVID-19/Infectious Diseases Centre Alagbado Ilorin.

Another COVID-19 molecular and research laboratory is proposed at the Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre which will utilise Reverse transcription and PCR in real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

“The GeneXpert machine has been accredited by the NCDC and is now officially functional in Kwara State,” he said.

He added: “A review to assess the diagnostic accuracy of GeneXpert found that when used as an initial test, it had pooled sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 99% compared to sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 99% for RT-qPCR at standard formats.

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“The GeneXpert tests will let us make quicker decisions about whether to quarantine or isolate individuals who show up with or without potential symptoms related to COVID-19.

Hospital management staff will also be able to make rapid decisions about the best way to use resources, such as respiratory equipment.

“This is a huge success for the government and people of the state. It is also a huge investment by the government and I must thank the Governor for this feat.

With the NCDC certification of this GeneXpert facility, it would go a long way in the fight against this pandemic in the state.”