Extraction kits run low at Ctg’s BITID

A shortage of testing kit components is threatening to impede Covid-19 testing in Chattogram from today.

According to sources at Bangladesh Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (BITID), the only organisation trusted with testing in the port city, sample extraction kits were almost out of stock.

"There are different steps in Covid-19 testing, and it needs both PCR kits and extraction kits to complete the whole process," said Prof Dr Shakil Ahmed, in-charge of BITID laboratory.

"We have received 950 PCR kits from government on Tuesday but those would have of no use unless we get the same number of extraction kits," he added.

Dr Shakil told this newspaper that they had around 100 kits, with which they could manage testing till yesterday.

"If extraction kits do not come immediately, testing might be halted," he said.

Contacted, Chattogram civil surgeon Dr Seikh Fazle Rabbi said buffer kits are needed to complete the testing process.

"BITID has been provided with around 1,000 PCR kits; the same number of buffer kits would be reached by tomorrow (Thursday)".  

Contacted, ABM Azad, divisional commissioner and head of coronavirus control and prevention committee in Chattogram division, said BITID authorities informed him about the matter.

"I have informed the Director General of Directorate General of Health Services about the matter," he said, adding, "He assured me of taking immediate step."

Covid-19 testing began at BITID on March 25, with some 100 tests being performed every day -- a bottleneck created mainly due to shortage of skilled manpower, according to sources. Until yesterday, 27 people were diagnosed with the virus, with three deaths.