In partnership with UNILAB and Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital, Xavier Ateneo worked to set up a Reverse Transcription — Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Testing Laboratory. The RT-PCR is the gold standard for COVID-19 testing.

Under the #XUKontraCOVID19, an appeal for donations was made to raise the start-up operating capital needed by MRXUH to set up the lab and cover the operating expenses for the first few months. As of June 9, the donations had reached Php 1, 380, 793.

Blessed and inaugurated last May 30, the modular laboratory transformed shipping container vans into multi-room laboratory suites which met the international guidance for biosafety level 2 (BSL2) and certified by the DOH for clinical testing of human specimens.

The laboratory follows a 6-person shift of BSL2-trained Medical Technicians who have also gone through training in PCR-based Testing. The total throughput of each 8-hour shift is about 100-150 tests, yielding an estimate of 300-450 tests at full capacity of 3 shifts.

Xavier Ateneo extends her gratitude to the generosity of the donors in responding to the common struggle to contain the coronavirus pandemic.