sitemaster Dr Solomon Chollom
Lead Correspondent
The Viasure PCR kit has been recommended for SARS CoV-2 (Covid-19) Testing in Nigeria following successful validation exercise by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria
This much was disclosed to news men in Abuja on Tuesday, 13th October, 2020 by the Registrar/CEO, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr Tosan Irhabor during a press conferencecalled to give report on the validation exercise on SARS CoV -2 test kits for possible use in Nigeria
"For the purpose of PCR testing, Viasure PCR kit is recommended as a first line test" Dr Irahbor said
The verdict was reached at after the test kit excelled in performance characteristics like sensitivity and specififity, in an evidence-based exercised which saw many other test kits fell below the minimum benchmark.
He revealed that 43 test kits were received for validation and 33 have so far been worked upon. He added that while Viasure PCR test kit excelled in the category of PCR testing, no rapid diagnostic test (RDT) is recommended for use in Nigeria yet because they performed poorly in key areas of performance indicators.
“No SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Test kit is currently approved for use in Nigeria, therefore, MLSCN cautions against the use of any non-validated Rapid / PCR Test Kits for COVID-19 testing as this will attract sanctions in accordance with the law”.
Meanwhile, MLSCN, according to Erhabor, has recommended that all indigenously-developed test kits for COVID-19 testing in Nigeria should be submitted for validation to support standardization and to promote reliable and accurate test results.
"In view of these findings, it is pertinent to recommend the establishment and institutional participation in External Quality Assessment programme for COVID-19 testing in Nigeria. Dr Irahbor added
With this development, Nigeria has a viable option that is efficient and effective in molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2.
