COVID-19: Multiple complications over tests
Various complications have been surfacing over tests for coronavirus, patients and officials have said.
Certain patients with coronavirus symptoms alleged they are unable to get tested for COVID-19.
Others who underwent tests, said they are unable to get the results.
Sources said a huge number of samples remained untested in the laboratories.
Many alleged that the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) could not realise the magnitude of the crisis. The DGHS delayed in extending the test facilities. It did not stress on the process and quality of collecting samples.
Experts say that the matter should now be given immediate consideration and steps taken accordingly.
Before the declaration of the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had been stressing in the importance of carrying out tests to prevent the spread of the disease.
Complications over tests
In the capital’s Momenbagh area, three members of a family have been suffering from fever and sore throat for several days. They contacted the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR). IEDCR officials assured them that they would collect their samples, but the government health agency did not do so till Monday.
IEDCR technologists collected samples of a resident at Hatirpool Free Street area in the capital on 14 April. The suspected patient was given an ID number-6099 and was assured that the results would be conveyed within two to three days.
But IEDCR did not convey the result till 27 April. There are innumerable such allegations.
Speaking to Prothom Alo, IEDCR director Meerjady Sabrina Flora said there are some problems due to the pressure of the work.
Sometimes there are mistakes in spelling names or in telephone numbers while collecting samples, she said, adding that this made it difficult to contact the patients.
Health expert Mushtaq Hussain said it has become urgent to conduct tests and get results of those who are not COVID-19 patients as none is admitted without certificates.
He said that the steps to prevent the disease would be accelerated if results of tests were available, Hussain observed.
Doubt over test results
A physician in Uttara was unable to admit his mother to hospital as hospitals and clinics wanted to see coronavirus test results. Her sample was tested in a clinic in the capital. According to the certificate of IEDCR on 12 April, the physician's mother was not infected with coronavirus.
Speaking to Prothom Alo, the physician said, “After receiving the certificate, we admitted the mother to a big hospital in the capital. My mother was kept on life support.”
The hospital authorities conducted tests by IEDCR, but family members did not know. According to the IEDCR certificate on 13, the woman tested positive for coronavirus.
“Is it possible for the results to change in just a matter of a day?” asked the physician.
The hospital refused treatment of the physician’s mother. They were compelled to shift her to Bangladesh Kuwait Friendship Hospital. She is recovering. The government hospital conducted a test.
According to the IEDCR certificate on 22 April, the woman was not infected with coronavirus. Is it possible to happen in a gap of ten days?
The IEDCR director, however, said it is possible.
Samples remain untested
In the regular news bulletin, DGHS additional director Nasima Sultana on Monday said 4192 samples were collected in 24 hours. During that period, 3812 samples were tested. As many as 380 samples remain untested in different laboratories.
More samples remained untested at different laboratories across the country.
Questions over the quality of tests
A laboratory told Prothom Alo on Monday that quality samples are not coming in. There are flaws in the collection, in packing the samples and in the sending process.
About the overall process, former vice chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Nazrul Islam said samples have to be collected properly.
“Laboratories have to be designed as per WHO guidelines. Otherwise, risks of infection will increase and questions will be raised over the tests,” Nazrul Islam told Prothom Alo.
*This report, originally publish in Prothom Alo print edition, has been rewritten in English by Rabiul Islam.