Sg Buloh Hospital comes up with Combat unit to take Covid-19 samples safely

The Combat unit at Sungai Buloh Hospital which was developed by volunteers to take virus samples quickly and safely. (Bernama pic)

SUNGAI BULOH: The Sungai Buloh UiTM Hospital, with more than 200 volunteers including professionals like doctors and engineers, is working to develop a prototype Coronavirus Mobile Test (Combat) unit to take samples of suspected Covid-19 patients.

The Combat unit by the Doctors & Design Engineers Against Covid-19 (DDEC19MY) makes full use of local ideas and expertise.

Co-founder of DDEC19MY, Dr Anas Mat Asis, said the Combat unit provides a solution to the shortage of personal protection equipment (PPE) currently facing frontliners and enables samples to be obtained faster, efficiently and safer.

“We provide a clinically safe method, where there is total separation between healthcare workers and patients. When there is total isolation, there is no need for PPE,” he told Bernama TV at the hospital.

Anas said the first prototype Combat model, which was installed at the Sungai Buloh UiTM Hospital, is equipped with facilities for persons with disabilities (OKU), air conditioners and a satellite communications system to ensure all data obtained can be passed to responsible parties, such as the National Security Council (MKN) and the health ministry.

Meanwhile, Sungai Buloh UiTM Hospital deputy director Professor Dr Ahmad Izuanuddin Ismail said he is proud of the innovation.

“We can deploy it to areas where it is needed for mass screening as it is mobile. This includes red zones,” he added.

He said the Combat Unit could also be turned into a post-Covid-19 negative pressure room to treat patients with respiratory symptoms and fever without having to send them to the Emergency Department to avoid the risk of infection.

It can also be turned into a clinic and mini-laboratory, he said, adding that the hospital is awaiting approval from the health ministry to use it. - FMT