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Laboratories with PCR test evaluation at the limit
In view of the spreading omicron variant of the corona virus, laboratories across Germany are reaching their limits in terms of test capacity. The IMD Berlin is one of them. Laboratory head Thomas Rasenack: “We are concerned that if the numbers continue to rise, that we will have a problem, that we will have a backlog of samples that we cannot process. But of course we are also concerned that we have experienced it before have that the reagents and consumables for our analytical systems are running out.” The past few months have been well positioned, says Rasenack. In the past week, however, a strong increase in samples has been observed. “It could be compensated, we were able to process it without any problems. But we can no longer handle double or the amount of a week in two days. We have neither the staff, the equipment nor the premises for it, which can be done without problems within 24 hours to process.” A prioritization in the evaluation for the important target groups is the only chance. “Unfortunately, normal patients fall behind, but I think it’s about protecting certain areas, providing medical practices with corona tests as quickly as possible. It’s just as important to take care of nursing homes and protect the vulnerable groups as much as possible. Through quick test results.” Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach expects the omicron wave to peak in a few weeks. In addition, the incidence would be significantly higher than the 553 reported on Tuesday due to the number of unreported cases.
It is quite conceivable that in the future there will be a prioritization for the important groups.