In June 2023, Premier Integrated Labs, formerly known as Pantai Premier Pathology, celebrated a momentous occasion with its official launch, marking a significant milestone. We take great pride in being the quadruple-crowned clinical laboratory in Malaysia, having attained the distinguished accreditations of the College of American Pathology (CAP), MS ISO 15189, Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) and Joint Commission International (JCI).

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F.A.Q. : LABORATORY TESTS FOR COVID-19

F.A.Q. ON LABORATORY TESTS FOR COVID-19

Q1: What are the sample(s) taken to test for COVID-19?

A: The sample is taken either from the nose or throat, or both, using a special swab. These sites are where the virus is replicating. The swabs are then placed in a tube which contains a solution.

Q2: What is the laboratory test used to diagnose COVID-19?

A: Almost all tests currently being carried out in Malaysia are tested using a technique known as polymerase chain reaction or PCR. The swabs i.e., the samples obtained are used to match the genetic material captured on the swab with the genetic code of COVID-19. PCR amplifies the genetic material so that it becomes easy to detect.

Q3: Is PCR method unique to testing COVID-19?

A: PCR technique is being used to test for COVID-19 is also used for many other viruses e.g influenza, Hepatitis C and HIV. The ingredients of the PCR are generic however, an element of the test known as the primer (functions as hook); which is used to match the genetic material with the virus that causes COVID-19 is unique.

Q4: What does a positive PCR for COVID-19 indicate?

A: A positive test indicates the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19. The individual is infected with the virus and presumed to be contagious. Laboratory test results should always be considered in the context of clinical observations and epidemiological data in making a final diagnosis and patient management decisions. Patient management decisions should be made with a healthcare provider.

Q5: How soon can the PCR test result be ready?

A:  The result can be ready between 24-72 hours.

Q6: Is there any other different COVID-19 test with a faster result?

A:  These are immunological tests and are called point of care tests. They can be ready within minutes. The tests detect the presence of antibodies produced by the host immune system against the virus. These tests would likely be less accurate than lab-based PCR tests because they looked for antibodies, rather than the virus itself. The result could be a false-negative if the test is taken at the wrong stage of a person’s illness.

Q7: What is the value of doing immunology/serology tests then?

A: Since antibodies continue to be present even after the infection is cleared, serology tests continue to be positive for individuals who have been previously exposed and developed an immune response. This means a positive test may not indicate an active infection. Serology antibody testing is being used mainly for surveillance and at present is not used to diagnose active COVID-19 infection.

Source: Medical Microbiologist, Pantai Premier Pathology.

Pantai Premier Pathology COVID-19 Mobile Testing Service

HOW TO BOOK PANTAI PREMIER PATHOLOGY

COVID-19 MOBILE TESTING SERVICE:

1. ONLINE BOOKING

CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE BOOKING

 

2. CALL PPP HOTLINE

+603 4280 9115

Operation hours:

Monday – Friday (9AM – 5PM)  |   Saturday (9AM – 1PM)

3. WHATSAPP BOOKING

+6012 986 3797

Operation hours:

Monday – Friday (9AM – 5PM)  |   Saturday (9AM – 1PM)

 

FAQ MOH: www.shorturl.at/CSVWY  

InfoSihat: https://www.infosihat.gov.my

CPRC Hotline: +603-8881 0200 / +603-8881 0600 / +603-8881 0700

Protective measures to amid the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak

Please do this to keep yourself and your family healthy:

 

  • Take everyday preventive actions to stay healthy.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hand often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Follow public health advice, travel advisory, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

 

Stay calm. Stay safe.

 

Source: Ministry of Health (MOH)

A close look at CANCER in Malaysia

Exploring  Malaysia cancer burden in 2018

  • Numbers at a glance:
    • Total population – 32042455
    • Number of new cases – 43837
    • Number of deaths – 26395

 

  • Number of new cases in 2018, both sexes, all ages

 

 

 

 

 

  • Number of new cases in 2018, males, all ages                                                                                             

 

  • Number of new cases in 2018, females, all ages                                                                                           

 

Summary statistic 2018

Males Females Both sexes
Population 16 526 726 15 515 729 32 042 455
Number of new cancer cases 20 619 23 218 43 837
Risk of developing cancer before the age of 75 years (%) 14.2 14.8 14.5
Number of cancer deaths 13 937 12 458 26 395
Risk of dying from cancer before the age of 75 years (%) 9.4 8.2 8.8
Top 5 most frequent cancers excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (ranked by cases) Lung Colorectum Prostate Nasopharynx Liver Breast
Colorectum
Cervix uteri
Ovary
Lung		 Breast Colorectum Lung Nasopharynx Liver

 

Reference:

World Health Organization. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Globocan 2018 – Global Cancer Observatory. Review at: https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/458-malaysia-fact-sheets.pdf

Cervical Cancer Facts

CERVICAL CANCER: MALAYSIA STATISTIC REPORT (2018)1

  • Every year 1682 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 944 die from the disease.
  • 2nd : Cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age.
  • 3rd : Cervical cancer ranks as the 3rd most frequent cancer among women in Malaysia

 

HOW TO PREVENT OR DETECT CERVICAL CANCER EARLY?2

  1. Pap test (or Pap smear): Screens for cervical cancer. It does not screen for any other gynecologic cancer²

 

  1. Human papillomavirus (HPV) test: Looks for HPV— the virus that can cause precancerous cell changes and cervical cancer²

 

HPV BURDEN IN WOMEN1

  • HPV causes virtually 100% of cervical cancer cases
  • Worldwide, HPV16 and 18 (the two vaccine-preventable types) contribute to over 70% of all cervical cancer cases
  • After HPV16/18, the six most common HPV types are the same in all world regions, namely 31, 33, 35, 45, 52 and 58

 

CERVICAL CANCER: 9 WARNING SIGNS

  1. Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding.
  2. Heavier & longer menstrual periods.
  3. Discomfort while urinating.
  4. Loss of bladder control.
  5. Pain during intercourse.
  6. Pelvic pain.
  7. Constant fatigue.
  8. Leg pain.
  9. Unexpected weight loss.

 

HPV DNA VS PAP SMEAR TESTING

  • A combination of HPV DNA and Pap Smear Testing had almost 100% sensitivity and negative predictive value. 3
  • One of study in German showed that HPV tests are more effective than Pap tests at discovering high-grade dysplasia. Individual Pap tests fail to detect half of all cases of dysplasia. HPV tests help to detect a lot more cases.4
  • Therefore, screening of both Pap test and HPV testing are essential for early detection of cervical cancer and screening of abnormal cervical cells.

 

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING RECOMMENDATION

  • In Malaysia, all women who are, or who have been sexually active, between the ages of 30 and 65 years, are recommended to undergo Pap smear testing. If the first two consecutive Pap results are negative, screening every three years is recommended.5
  • HPV DNA-based testing may be done every five years as a primary screening strategy or combined with Pap test in women over 30 years of age for an interval / frequency of at least three to five years in women who are negative on both tests in the annual screening. 6

 

REFERENCES:

  1. Bruni L, Albero G, Serrano B, Mena M, Gómez D, Muñoz J, Bosch FX, de Sanjosé S. ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (HPV Information Centre). Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases in Malaysia. Summary Report 17 June 2019.
  2. What Should I Know About Screening?. Updated August 7, 2019. (Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm)
  3. Lörincz, A. T., & Richart, R. M. (2003). Human papillomavirus DNA testing as an adjunct to cytology in cervical screening programs. Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine, 127(8), 959-968.
  4. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG, Germany). Benefit assessment of HPV test in primary screening for cervical cancer. Final report; Commission S10-01.
  5. (2003).Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of Cervical Cancer
  6. Health Technology Assessment Report: HPV DNA-Based Screening Test for Cervical Cancer
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