Sri Lanka performs highest number of PCR tests yesterday

A total of 11,773 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests have been carried out yesterday recording the highest number of PCR tests performed per day.

According to the statistics of the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB), a total of 490,563 have been conducted so far in the country since February 18. 

The highest number of PCR tests of 11,552 carried out prior to this was on October 28. 

According to Health Ministry Deputy Director General (Laboratory Services) Dr. Ananda Jayalal, the capacity in laboratories to conduct the PCR tests has almost exceeded and therefore, a system called Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) would be introduced soon.

There are 22 laboratories under the Health Ministry that conduct PCR tests. Apart from this, PCR tests are carried out by several universities and laboratories attached to the private sector. (Sheain Fernandopulle)