Tobago's covid19 samples still sent to Trinidad

Covid19 samples in Tobago are still being sent to labs in Trinidad, because there are no test kits for the GeneXpert PCR machine on the island. Acting County Medical Officer of Health Dr Tiffany Hoyte told the media, during the health press conference on Tuesday, there are no kits available in either Trinidad or Tobago.

She said, “Central government is negotiating to get more kits, but there are no kits for the machines and there are three machines within TT. “So none of those machines is currently in use, because the kits to be used with the machine are not currently available. So I can't give a timeframe for how much longer they will be sent to Trinidad, because we're not sure if or when we will get kits for the machine.

Dr Hoyte said this scenario has not affected the length of time for results. In fact, the wait for results has now “drastically improved,” Hoyte said adding that people who were swabbed in Tobago received their results within 48 hours. She revealed rapid antigen testing is expected to begin soon in Tobago but was unable to give an exact date.

Secretary for the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development Tracy Davidson-Celestine said the issue should not be where the samples are tested but the time it takes to get results.

“As Dr Hoyte would have indicated, the average wait time has been reduced significantly and within 48 hours we have been receiving results, within which we can make or to assist us in making very effective decisions on a patient. So the issue is not where the test is being done, but the time within which you receive the response.”

For those hoping to travel outside the country but need a negative covid19 test, Hoyte said they have the option to be swabbed, have their PCR test done within 72 hours at a private certified lab in Trinidad and get results e-mailed. However, the division will not cover the cost attached to this. An appointment to get this done can be made via the division's covid19 hotline at 800-HEAL.