Coronavirus: the Pasteur Institute recognizes malfunctions in the analysis of tests

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The Pasteur Institute recognizes malfunctions in the analysis of the Covid-19 tests sent to the Malagasy authorities on May 6. The Presidency had estimated the number of 67 positive cases too high and had questioned the quality of Pasteur's work. A second opinion only revealed 5 cases. The institute now admits that healthy samples may have been accidentally contaminated, but without knowing when. Before or after their arrival at the institute.

Publicity

with our correspondent in Antananrivo, Laure Verneau

The Malagasy government had therefore asked to repeat the tests on new samples. Of the 55 samples that reached the Institut Pasteur, only 5 positive cases were detected by the IPM and by the CCIN (Charles Mérieux Center for Infectious Disease). From 67 positive cases to 5, the difference is significant. 

A sample of an exceptional viral load could contaminate an entire series, specifies André Spiegel, director of the Institut Pasteur. Unintentional contamination could have affected the entire chain, from the collection of samples at the hospital to their arrival at the institute. This resulted in false positives, according to the director who evokes this hypothesis.

We carry out the tests only on samples which are brought to us by the Ministry of Health, explains André Spiegel again.

Was there contamination during transport, which is the responsibility of the Malagasy health authorities, or within the institute? And where is the responsibility?

► Read also : In Madagascar, "errors" in the test results of the Institut Pasteur

Still according to the director of the Pasteur Institute, the internal investigation did not reveal any dysfunction in the diagnostic process. He ensures it, the hygiene and safety conditions have been respected.

The Ministry of Health has made its own investigation into the routing of samples - the results are not known to date. Madagascar is currently on an upward trend: the latest figures show 230 Covid 19 positive cases.

► Read also : In Madagascar, divergent figures sow confusion

Press conference at the moment to clarify the #COVID ー 19 case figures reported by the Pasteur Institute of #Madagascar pic.twitter.com/lCxQgIisQw

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• Madagascar
• Health and Medicine
• Coronavirus