Centre allows COVID-19 pool testing, plasma therapy in Maha

Mumbai, Apr 24 () Maharashtra Health MinisterRajesh Tope on Friday said that the Centre has allowed thestate to conduct pool testing of samples of suspectedcoronavirus patients and also gave its nod for using plasmatherapy in COVID-19 treatment.

He said that the approval was given by Union HealthMinister Harsh Vardhan during a video-conference meeting withthe health ministers and secretaries of all the states.

Pooling of samples involves testing them in batchesand when pooled sample tests positive, then individual samplesare assessed. Pool testing reduces the number of test kitsused, and therefore, increases testing capacity.

Under the plasma therapy technique, transfusion ofplasma from recovered patients to severally-ill COVID-19patients is conducted.

Tope said that the issues of portable pulse oximeterand X-ray tests for easy testing of coronavirus patients andmeasures to lower the mortality rate were also discussedduring the meeting with the Union minister.

Similarly, talks were also held on disinfection andsanitization of PPE kits for reuse, he said.

The minister said that the state health department hascounselled 47,000 migrant workers staying in 944 shelter campsby conducting mental health camps for them. MRNP NP