BOGOR - Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) has so far distributed 8,580 virus transport media (VTM) units to assist the handling of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Indonesia.
VTM carries nasal and throat mucus specimens from a patient undergoing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab test, which then will be transported to a laboratory for further examination.
“Our independently-produced VTM units have helped the government in producing specimens from COVID-19 suspects,” IPB Rector Dr Arif Satria told Antara, Wednesday (8/7).
Of the 8,580 VTM units, 3,730 were handed over to hospitals, community health centres, and clinics; 3,000 to the Ministry of Health; and 1,850 to regional health offices and laboratories.
In addition, Dr Satria said, IPB has also distributed 5,757 swab testing kits and 562 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE). Of the 562 PPE sets, 492 were handed over to hospitals, community health centres, and clinics; 19 to doctors; and 50 to health offices. (MS)