2025 Volume 95 Issue 2 Pages 43-51
The novel coronavirus infection spread rapidly. In response, meetings were convened at the Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, bringing together professionals from the medical, nursing, and medical technology departments. Various measures were implemented to curb the spread of the infection. Our Central Laboratory was tasked with promptly establishing a rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing scheme. They initiated operations using the manual from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases; however, problems quickly accumulated as the infection continued to spread. An increase in the number of PCR tests was requested to accommodate the growing number of patients as the infection spread.
Our laboratory aimed to establish a system for using PCR tests as a screening method for all patients prior to admission. Achieving this required increasing the number of technicians performing PCR tests, switching reagents, introducing new equipment, and extending testing to nights and holidays. Furthermore, new demands arose, such as distinguishing the virus from influenza in preparation for the winter season and detecting mutated virus strains. These demands led to further consideration of introducing additional equipment and reagents. During this time, the supply of provisions became unstable, prompting efforts to secure the necessary resources to prevent interruptions in testing. As clinical testing specialists, we are responsible for ensuring accuracy of testing and meeting clinical needs. We recognized the importance of responding appropriately by carefully analyzing information about testing reagents, monitoring trends in the spread of the novel coronavirus, and staying informed about the actions of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
