By Jonathn Mbiriyamveka
Lancet Clinical Laboratories says efforts to contain Covid19 have been complicated by the emergence of three new strains from Brazil, United Kingdom and South Africa.
In a statement clarifying Covid-19 PCR Test Results, Lancet Clinical Laboratories said the new strains not only spread faster but are also more difficult to detect because of mutations (changes in the genetic structure of the virus).
“It is now recognised that laboratories using equipment and test kits that have not been upgraded to target these new strains, may not be able to detect the virus in samples from infected individuals, resulting in the issuing of false negative reports (1).
“Lancet Clinical Laboratories uses the latest machines and test kits which have currently been confirmed, through in-silico analysis of the genetic sequences, to detect all three new strains of Covid19 and show true positive results (2).
“It is therefore likely that persons who test Covid19 positive at Lancet may test negative at another laboratory using a different standard.”
“The public is reminded that a high proportion of infected individuals, particularly the young, may test positive for Covid19 and have no physiological symptoms. These individuals may remain asymptomatic or may be presymptomatic when the test is taken.
“Both pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic people may still spread Covid19 and can infect others. It is therefore essential to take precautions, isolate, seek medical advice, avoid the vulnerable and inform loved ones of Covid19 status until recovered and no longer infectious.
“We understand that these are trying times that are present globally and for our country, however, we believe that by maintaining our standards of testing as well as improving public engagement to enlighten and empower the public, we will support public health and safety in Zimbabwe.”
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has opened investigations into laboratories and individuals accused of issuing certificates declaring a person free of Covid-19 without carrying out any tests, thus allowing potentially infected people to travel and interact with others, allowing the virus to spread. There have been reports that at least one private laboratory and some State laboratories, or at least staff at these laboratories, have been issuing certificates and sets of fake results without doing the required test.
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