Laboratory for COVID-19 testing opens in Ukhta with support from Gazprom

On November 5, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratory was opened at the Ukhta City Outpatient Clinic. The laboratory will increase the number of tests for the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) performed in the region and reduce the waiting time for their results. Before the launch of this facility, laboratories of this kind operated only in the cities of Syktyvkar and Vorkuta.

“The entire testing procedure, from receiving samples to generating results, takes 5 to 6 hours, and the laboratory is working in two shifts, which will allow us to perform about 100 tests per day. This figure is expected to grow to 300 in the future, after additional equipment is installed,” noted Antonina Peshkova, Chief Doctor of the Outpatient Clinic.

The design works for the laboratory and the major overhaul of its rooms were funded by a donation in the amount of RUB 15 million received from Gazprom, and RUB 4.9 million was also allocated for these purposes by the Administration of Ukhta. The procurement and delivery of medical equipment were arranged and funded by the Ministry of Health of the Komi Republic, which provided RUB 4.9 million to that end.

“The launch of the laboratory is a much-awaited event for the residents of Ukhta and neighboring areas. To make this happen, a large number of specialists have made considerable efforts. This is the first time a laboratory of such a high class has been created in the Komi Republic, and, importantly, the facility will also be in demand in the future to deliver high-quality medical services to the population. Setting new standards in the social sphere is the result we always strive to achieve in our social partnership projects implemented in the regions,” commented Alexander Gaivoronsky, Director General of Gazprom Transgaz Ukhta.

During the pandemic, the PCR laboratory will focus exclusively on SARS-CoV-2 testing; afterwards, the facility will carry out tests for a wide range of infectious diseases.