SEGi’s Sibu clinical campus runs Covid-19 tests for locals

COVID-19 tests can now be carried out at the SEGi-DUKE-Clinical Research Centre (SEGi-DUKE-CRC) lab in Sibu Hospital instead of sending blood samples to Kuching after receiving the green light from the Ministry of Health (MoH).

This was made possible after a local company had donated a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine to the lab on March 26. With an extra machine, the lab can now process more samples in a much shorter time.

The SEGi-DUKE-CRC lab, established in 2017, is a clinical research facility that was set up as a result of a tripartite venture between SEGi University, DUKE University and Sibu Hospital.

Located within the Sibu Clinical Campus, the centre is focused on the study of viruses and has published several papers on the lab output.

SEGi’s faculty of medicine dean Prof Dr Mohd Raili Suhaili said the MoH has authorised the lab to conduct Covid-19 tests as it is well-equipped and has qualified staff to run the tests.

“Our science officer cum lecturer, Jakie Ting, along with staff from the pathology department of Sibu Hospital had started running tests since March 29. The Sarawak government has also sponsored testing kits and reagents for us to carry out Covid-19 tests,” said Mohd Raili.

He said with the PCR machine and adequate supply of testing kits, the hospital can shorten the test turnaround time and save cost as they can manage the testing in the lab facility and produce results within 24 hours.

The PCR machine is generally used to amplify small segments of the DNA to detect bacteria, viruses or genetic disorders.

“Being able to provide clinical services is a big honour for us, especially in such critical times. The Covid-19 outbreak has caused unprecedented disruptions to every aspect of our lives and we are glad that SEGi University can do its part for the country,’ said Mohd Raili.

The Sibu Clinical Campus has been instrumental in providing clinical training to SEGi MBBS students from their third year of study.

The comprehensive setting is crucial for students to master various clinical clerkships in internal medicine, surgery and critical care as well as other specialities such as ophthalmology, otolaryngology, anaesthesiology and forensic medicine. – April 1, 2020

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