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's new analysers process 98% of microbiology PCR tests previously sent abroad.
- Wait times for complex diagnostics reduced from up to a week to 24-48 hours.
- Public health costs cut by eliminating urgent sample shipping and external lab fees.
- Expanded testing for coronavirus, mumps, herpes viruses, and up to seven 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) stated that the equipment delivers immediate patient benefits by drastically shortening wait times. Complex diagnostics, previously delayed up to a week due to cross-border logistics, will now yield definitive results in 24 to 48 working hours.
Public health expenses will also drop, as the analysers eliminate urgent sample shipping costs and fees from external laboratories. The devices broaden the hospital lab's testing menu, supporting detection of more pathogens, viruses, and bacteria without external referrals.
Specific capabilities include assays for coronavirus, the mumps virus, various herpes viruses, and up to seven sexually transmitted infection agents. This setup nearly centralises all PCR activity formerly reliant on outside facilities.
SAAS detailed the enhancements in a recent announcement, underscoring their value in bolstering local diagnostic capacity.
Related Articles
Other articles from Catalan-language sources about the same story:
- Diari d'Andorra•
L’hospital assumirà el 98% de les PCR de microbiologia que s’enviaven a l’estranger
- Bon Dia•
El laboratori de l’hospital podrà assumir el 98% de les PCR de microbiologia que fins ara s'enviaven fora del país
- Diari d'Andorra•
L’hospital assumirà el 98% de les PCR de microbiologia que s’enviaven a l’estranger
- Altaveu•
L'hospital podrà assumir el 98% de les proves PCR de microbiologia que fins ara s'enviaven a fora