BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

And routine tests are encouraged to keep track of the overall well-being and make informed decisions on one ’ s health .

It is noteworthy that laboratory tests and the price charged for the tests are costly . It seems to be a deterrent for middle and low-income groups .

“ However , SpyGene Laboratories Sdn Bhd ( SpyGene ) aims to provide complete and comprehensive diagnostic testing services for the public at affordable prices ,” said Chief Executive Officer Abdul Rahman Wahiduddin .

Skilled and certified staff

SpyGene is a new clinical and molecular laboratory company incorporated in June 2021 under Revongen Corporation Sdn Bhd .

Located at Enterprise 1 , Technology Park Malaysia , SpyGene comprises of several divisions namely Hematology , Clinical Chemistry and Immunoassay , Microbiology , Urinology and Molecular .

It has set up fully operational laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and automated systems .

“ It is not cheap to run a clinical diagnostic lab as it requires skilled and certified lab technicians and is supported by advanced automated machines and equipment .

“ We are determined to offer affordable tests . We came to an arrangement with equipment manufacturers and distributors , Mindray Medical and Chemopharm Sdn Bhd , with an agreed mechanism that cuts down the operational cost .

“ They will support us with automated machinery , equipment and software . These are installed in our lab and will be charged on every sample we run .

“ So , it is like a subscription-based agreement . This mechanism lowers our operating cost , and thus we can lower the price for the tests we run in SpyGene .

“ On top of that , as one of Revongen ’ s subsidiaries , Revongen also ensures we have adequate support system from the group ,” added Abdul Rahman , who has 12 years of experience in the diagnostics laboratory field .

SpyGene began operations in October 2021 with a team of six , consisting of the Lab Manager , lab technicians and administration staff . As CEO , Abdul Rahman oversees the day-to-day operations

“ Together with me , we have visiting Consultant Pathologist , Dr Siti Roszilawati Ramli and Lab Manager , Amir Salikan as part of our management team .

Abdul Rahman Wahiduddin

“ If the test results show that the antibody level has gone down to a certain level , then it is best for the individual to get their booster shot .

“ We also have a urinalysis , which is a general screening test used to check for early signs of disease ,” he said , adding the current test capacity for basic clinical routine tests is 100 a day .

SpyGene ’ s most recent lab is the molecular diagnostic lab , used to test Covid- 19 swab samples .

It comprises testing the molecular level of the Covid-19 swab sample , which means testing whether the gene has already been infected or not with the Covid-19 virus .

SpyGene gets samples via two methods . The first is through its business partners and collaborators , such as private practices , clinics , and DoctorOnCall , who send batches of samples for routine checkups , Covid-19 tests , or both .

The other is by making an online appointment directly with SpyGene

Laboratories . Individuals wishing to do a specific or routine test can come in , and the lab will draw the relevant sample .

The lab also provides mobile service for testing for a minimum group of four people .

Covid-19 PCR testing and laboratory

For the Covid-19 PCR test , the company has set up a drive-through service at the parking lot to minimise contact .

“ Clients are required to drive in , lower the window and show us the payment slip . We will then perform the swab test and take the samples to the lab via the back door .

“ The sample is processed and is then passed to the Covid-19 PCR test lab . Results will be out within 24 hours . We will email them to the client within 24 to 72 hours .

“ Our max capacity at the moment for Covid-19 test and result analysis is 1,000 tests a day ,” said Abdul Rahman .

The PCR Covid-19 lab adheres strictly to the Ministry of Health ’ s ( MoH ) guidelines .

MoH has made it compulsory for the Covid-19 PCR test labs to have three segregated rooms - one is for premix , another for the doffing area and the third room for result analysing machines .

Covid-19 test and result analysing are done using a combination of workforce and machines .

These safety protocols are in place for the safety of the staff and to ensure the safe handling of samples as they are highly contagious .

SpyGene is in the final stages of getting certification from the Institute of Medical Research ( IMR ).

“ I will be sending samples of our analysis methodology and reports to IMR for evaluation . Once certified , we will offer our services and run test analysis for MoH and help clear the backlog of the Covid-19 tests ,” said Abdul Rahman .

Molecular diagnostics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), molecular diagnostics testing combines laboratory testing with the precision of molecular biology . It has revolutionised how clinical and public health laboratories investigate the human , viral , and microbial genomes , their genes , and the products they encode .

An array of laboratory tests

SpyGene offers diagnostic laboratory testing services such as Rt-PCR not only for Covid- 19 , but for other tests as well such as dengue and infectious diseases .

“ We also offer all the standard lab tests done for a routine blood screening . Blood samples are tested for blood count , metabolic , renal , thyroid , diabetes and so on .

“ We can also check the level of Covid-19 antibodies present in the body with blood samples .