Usage of PCR machine at Mulleriyawa Hospital halted

The usage of the PCR test machine at the Colombo East Base Hospital in Mulleriyawa has been halted following the installation of a new machine, officials said.

The automatic extraction machine had been gifted by the Chinese company from which the PCR machine had been purchased.

The machine is being installed by two Chinese specialists and is expected to aid in doubling the rate of PCR tests carried out daily, a hospital spokesperson noted.

According to the National Operation Centre for the Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak, 13,671 PCR tests are being carried out daily in the country.