Ecopetrol presents a state-of-the-art mobile laboratory for covid-19 diagnosis.


Ecopetrol presented a new mobile laboratory for the diagnosis of people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has the most modern technology and will make it possible to reach remote areas of the country where there are no laboratories to perform diagnostic tests for COVID-19 and support the management of the pandemic.

The new infrastructure, the only one of its kind in Latin America, meets the requirements of the National Health Institute and was developed jointly by Ecopetrol's Innovation and Technology Center and NINOX, a company from Santander in the automotive sector. Ecopetrol allocated close to $1 billion for its construction.

The mobile laboratory has separate areas for taking and processing PCR samples, as well as an office area for patient care and delivery of results. The handling of samples and material will be done through locks for transit between areas in a biosecure manner and it also has an air conditioning system with HEPA filtration to avoid any contamination.

Additionally, it is equipped with chemical disinfection and ultraviolet light systems that allow maintaining a safe environment. It has 5 redundant damping and leveling mechanisms that protect the equipment during travel on unpaved roads. Its operation is self-sustainable because it has an electrical system powered by solar panels and backed by an onboard generator, which can also be powered from the national power grid.

"This mobile laboratory is the demonstration that technological innovation allows us to combat covid-19 more effectively. We are committed to using technology to improve the lives of Colombians, especially in initiatives that allow us to accelerate the energy transition and build a knowledge-based economy for Colombia's development, in line with the recommendations of the International Mission of Wise Men," said Felipe Bayón, president of Ecopetrol.

The inauguration of this modern laboratory and the dissemination of these investments took place during a visit to Ecopetrol's Innovation and Technology Center located in Piedecuesta, Santander, by the Vice President of the Republic, Martha Lucía Ramírez, and the Vice Minister of Knowledge, Innovation and Productivity, Diego Hernández Losada.

Source: Ecopetrol

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