Andorra Hospital Installs Analysers to Cut Microbiology Test Times from Week to 48 Hours
Andorra's Nostra Senyora de Meritxell Hospital gains in-house molecular analysers, slashing microbiology test turnaround from days to under two by avoiding foreign outsourcing. This cuts costs and boosts local pathogen detection.
Key Points
- Nostra Senyora de Meritxell Hospital now processes 98% of outsourced PCR tests in-house.
- Wait times drop from a week to 24-48 hours by eliminating cross-border shipping.
- Saves public health costs on urgent foreign lab fees and shipping.
- Expands detection for COVID-19, mumps, herpes viruses, and 7 STIs.
Andorra's Nostra Senyora de Meritxell Hospital has installed automated molecular biology analysers in its clinical laboratory, enabling it to process 98% of microbiology PCR tests that were previously outsourced abroad.
The Andorran Health Service (SAAS) says the equipment will shorten patient wait times dramatically. Complex diagnostics, which could take a full week due to cross-border logistics, will now yield conclusive results in 24 to 48 working hours.
Public health spending will also drop as the system avoids urgent shipping costs and fees from foreign labs. The analysers broaden the lab's testing scope, supporting detection of more pathogens, viruses, and bacteria within Andorra.
Specific capabilities cover the coronavirus, the mumps virus, various herpes viruses, and as many as seven infectious agents associated with sexually transmitted infections.
SAAS outlined the enhancements in a press release, stressing their value in bolstering the Principality's diagnostic infrastructure.
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