The COVID-19 pandemic has caused global challenges and economic crises that are yet to unfold. It has also led to changes in everyday life and made everyone familiar with terms such as endemic, pandemic, cluster, transmission and above all, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing.
PCR machines are cost-effective and highly efficient tools. PCR testing is most reliable and accurate laboratory method for detecting, tracking and studying the novel coronavirus.
Through this project, the Institute for Public Health in Podgorica received a fully automated and integrated molecular analyser, i.e. a PCR mass testing device, worth half a million euros. The device has been installed and put into operation, while the Institute staff members have undergone the necessary training for its use.
The PCR testing machine will significantly increase national COVID-19 testing capacities. In addition, it will enable the country to resume testing for HPV as well as other types of viruses, such as HIV Quant, HIV Qual, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis E, Epstein-Barr virus and Cytomegalovirus.
The EU-funded project will also deliver testing kits and consumables to perform close to 25,000 PCR tests, as this testing method remains the gold standard for detecting SARS-CoV-2.
