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A TEAM of dedicated scientists has been a vital element in analyzing more than 50,000 of the 80,000 COVID-19 tests carried out on northern rivers.
According to NSW Health Pathology, Glenn Hawkins, head of Lismore’s microbiology laboratory, his team has done an exceptional job in processing samples and ensuring that patients receive accurate and peaceful results as efficiently as possible.
Mr. Hawkins and his team are at Lismore Base Hospital, where they work seven days a week in a lab undergoing rigorous infection control protocols to ensure they have been able to keep up with demand.
He said rapid and accurate tests allow for early detection and case management of COVID-19, which is vital for community protection and curbing the spread of the virus.
“At the peak of the COVID-19 tests, over 700 samples were analyzed per day,” he said.
“Now it’s about 200-250”.
SUPER SCIENCE: NSW Health Pathology, Manager of Microbiology, Glenn Hawkins leads a dedicated team of laboratory scientists based at Lismore Base Hospital who have processed more than 50,000 of the regions 80,000 COVID-19 test samples. Photo: Alison Paterson
Mr. Hawkins said that after a sample is collected from the patient using a nasal swab, it is then analyzed in an NSW health pathology laboratory, equipped with highly specialized equipment, including a High-Plex 24 system designed to detect and distinguish coronaviruses, from their trained health experts.
ROBOTIC DIAGNOSTICS: NSW Health Pathology Supervisor scientist Glenn Hawkins with a High Plex robot that allowed his team of lab scientists to process more than 50,000 of the regions 80,000 COVID-19 test samples. Photo: Alison Paterson
“We are also prepared for rapid PCR testing, to be used for high-risk, high-priority cases where urgent diagnosis is needed,” he said.
These include the elderly, patients with acute illness or those with pre-existing or chronic health conditions.
He said NSW Health Pathology’s rapid test kits can detect a COVID-19 infection, with the result provided to the patient’s physician and local public health team within hours of the sample arriving at the lab
Mr. Hawkins said his team did an outstanding job.
“Our nine-person team is operational seven days a week from 7am to 10pm,” he said.
“It is vital to come forward for testing, even if you only have minor symptoms, to make sure you keep community transmission at bay.”
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