Minister lists labs approved to conduct antigen and PCR for COVID-19

3 years ago

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Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton has expressed concerns with regards to pop-up testing sites that have been reported in the media during the past number of weeks.

“Although we recognise the right of a doctor to perform some tests, there is a duty of care that must be attained to ensure the health and safety of all concerned. As such, the Ministry wishes to reiterate the need for appropriate certification and accreditation of private individuals and companies that want to carry out testing for SARS-CoV2,”

Dr Tufton said.

He reiterated the organisations the Government partnered with and already authorised to conduct private antigen and PCR testing for COVID-19.

There are seven private laboratories with 10 locations providing antigen testing and five private labs utilising six locations across the island that offer PCR testing.

With regard to antigen testing, the following laboratories have been approved:
MicroLabs Limited in Kingston, Mandeville and Montego Bay
BioMedical/Caledonia Labs in Kingston and Montego Bay
Winchester Surgical & Medical Institute in Kingston
Bay West Hospital in St James
Hospiten in St James
Andrews Hospital in Kingston
Technological Solutions Ltd. in Kingston.

For PCR testing, the following labs are approved to conduct testing:
CARIGEN in Kingston, MD Link in Kingston,
BioMedical/Caledonia Labs in Kingston & St. James,
Bay West Hospital in St. James,
Technological Solutions in Kingston

Dr Tufton said the Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to work with other private partners who are interested in working with the Ministry, to expand the testing capacity in the country.