FIVE more labs will be set up to increase the country’s Covid-19 testing capacity, said Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

Currently, 11,500 tests are being conducted at 43 labs on a daily basis.

Dr Noor Hisham said with five more labs, the ministry can increase the capacity to the targeted 16,500 tests a day.

The five labs will be set up in Sandakan, Tawau, Miri, Bintulu and Kluang.

“What is important is how we can optimise our labs because there are many pending cases.

“We know that the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test takes time; at least six hours. If there are more cases, the results can be delayed 24 to 48 hours,” he said.

He said the PCR will be used to diagnose the virus while an antibody test will be used on those who fall under the close-contact category and are placed under quarantine.

He said the antibody test, also known as serology, takes less time and does not require lab testing.

Dr Noor Hisham added that a PCR test will then be done to reconfirm the presence of the virus.

The virus has so far infected 4,987 people and killed 82 in Malaysia. – April 14, 2020.