The results of the Covid-19 test in Dong Nai have international value

​There are 3 Covid-19 laboratories in Dong Nai that have been appraised and licensed by the Ministry of Health for Sars-CoV-2 confirmation testing: the Provincial Disease Control Center, Dong Nai General Hospital, and Thong Nhat Dong Nai General Hospital. The Covid-19 test results from 3 Dong Nai laboratories have international value.

Mr. Bach Thai Binh - Director of the Provincial Center for Disease Control

* How would you rate the current capacity of Covid-19 testing in Dong Nai Province?

Dong Nai's Covid-19 test capability depends on the time and the evolution of the epidemic in the region. Currently, Dong Nai's Covid-19 testing capacity is still limited, with supply capacity far exceeding demand. For instance, in the first situation, where there were sporadic Covid-19 cases, the testing units acted well; in the second situation, where there are cases of infection in the community, a greater number of tests are needed, the ability of three units to do approximately more one thousand single samples and three to four thousand combine samples/day. In the event of a large outbreak, for example, that recently occurred in Hai Duong province and Da Nang city, units will test 24 hours a day. The combined sample capability will reach 8,000 samples per day. Of course, in this situation, personnel must be mobilized 24/24, split into several shifts.

* Many people would like to have a Covid-19 test performed on their request, voluntarily and for a fee. So, sir, does Dong Nai provide testing services for Covid-19 upon request?

The policy of the National Steering Committee on Covid-19 prevention and control as well as the Ministry of Health and units with covid-19 testing functions have confirmed that on-demand testing services have been permitted. However, in cases of immigration, many countries require people to have a certificate of Covid-19 negative results. Covid-19 testing is needed in this case.

*In case the enterprise in the province needs to test for Covid-19 for all employees and pay by themselves, will it be solved, sir?

With this requirement, the testing unit will work with enterprise and medical personnel to assess the risk.  Based on the analysis and medical personnel's opinion, if the enterprise is really at risk, the testing unit will request the Department of Health to perform the test at the request of the enterprise. The enterprise pays the testing costs, which are 734,000 VND per single sample and 300,000 VND per combined sample (3-5 samples). If the risk factor is not detected or is too low, medical personnel will advise and recommend that enterprise and employees not necessarily take Covid-19 tests and implement infection prevention such as practice 5K messages or self-monitor.

Provincial Center for Disease Control staff tests Sars-CoV-2

* As you said, the results of the Covid-19 test in three Dong Nai confirmatory laboratories have international value. So, what do people who test Covid-19 service should pay attention to prevent the unit's test results not being accepted international value?

The mutual recognition of Covid-19 test results is the authority of the Ministry of Health and the Government of Vietnam and other countries. Currently, there are about 140 units in the country that have been tested for Covid-19, but only 84 laboratories are recognized by the Ministry of Health as internationally valuable. The Ministry of Health sends this list of 84 laboratories to countries' Embassy and consulate. Three Dong Nai laboratories in the list of 84 Covid-19 laboratories including the Provincial Center for Disease Control, Dong Nai General Hospital, and Thong Nhat Dong Nai General Hospital. However, the person who tests Covid-19 should note that some cases of test results are not recognized due to the following factors: firstly, the test results exceed the prescribed time. Covid-19 test results are only valid for 72 hours before boarding. Second, testing in service laboratories that are not on the Ministry of Health's list of 84 internationally recognized laboratories. Third, the result report is not in compliance with the international form, which requires bilingualism; otherwise, an English translation approved by the judiciary. As a result, people must pay attention to these elements in order to prevent issues while departing.

* Thank you for taking the time

Lan Khue

According to Mr. Bach Thai Binh - the director of the Provincial Disease Control Center, people who are going to leave the country during the Covid-19 epidemic can go to one of the 3 Covid-19 laboratories of Dong Nai to test Covid-19 including Provincial Disease Control Center, Dong Nai General Hospital, and Thong Nhat Dong Nai General Hospital. If you live outside the province, you can test in one of the Covid-19 laboratories in the list of 84 internationally recognized test laboratories.