The first delivery of rapid tests has arrived at the Hospital of emergency today. They will help specialists conduct a preliminary diagnosis of coronavirus infection. So far, 500 units have been delivered; another 4,500 are expected to be delivered. They are purchased at the expense of the city budget.
According to the deputy of the mayor Ksenia Sukhova, now on the basis of the city hospital No. 4 there is an arrangement of a special laboratory for PCR diagnostics in Mariupol: ‘We have received the first batch of rapid tests. This will allow doctors to more effectively assess the progress of the disease. We are expecting the delivery of a PCR apparatus, due to which Mariupol will be able to quickly make high-precision analyzes. We equip a special department’.
In turn, the deputy mayor Mikhail Ivchenko added that today the purchase of personal protective equipment, mechanical ventilation devices and test data is very difficult.
‘In Ukraine, there is great excitement for them. Delivery is carried out only by the state board. We work as efficiently as possible in the direction of procurement; at some plants, procurement takes place in the order of priority. Mariupol had difficulty, but was able to purchase and deliver express tests to the city, and most importantly - at an adequate price and on time,’ he said.
According to infectious diseases specialist of the highest category Elena Shapoval, tests allow us to establish the immunological relationship of the disease with coronavirus infection.
‘They detect immunoglobulins M and G, but they don’t determine the virus itself. Therefore, based on them, it is impossible to make a diagnosis. An express test in the acute period of the disease and only after contact with the infected person will not show the presence of a coronavirus. Only PCR analysis in the laboratory can confirm. An express test will only confirm coronavirus antibodies on day 7 or 16 of the disease. The spectrum of their use is severe pneumonia. So, we can assume their etymology and they will give us support in the diagnosis,’ Elena Shapoval said.
