- In the newspaper Berria, journalist Maite Asensio interviewed UPV/EHU Director Nekane Balluerka. Among other issues, he asked about the test method developed by the UPV to detect coronavirus, which has generated controversy about this issue because Osakidetza has not used the work of the UPV. In addition, he wanted to clarify the error that almost a thousand tests per day can be performed using the method developed in the UPV/EHU, and not 10,000 as it has been disseminated.
The journalist has asked the Basque Government Health Advisor what the agreement reached last week is for. Balluerka explains how they got the PCR testing methodology without the need for commercial kits. The problem with commercial kits is that it needs materials that run out quickly. Balluerka adds that clinical validation was needed and that it has not yet been achieved: “We are still improving the method to make the tests more accurate.” According to the agreement, tests of the UPV/EHU will also be carried out in the Ministry of Health investigation.
Asked whether the method would be used outside the Ministry’s investigation, Balluerka replied: “If health officials think we need to do those thousands of tests, we have offered ourselves for everything they need; we are willing to use our tests.”
The UPV/EHU itself stated a few weeks ago that the method was validated by the Carlos III Institute in Madrid, but now Balluerka insists that it needs clinical validation. The journalist has wondered about this and the rector has replied that Osakidetza’s methodology must now be brought into line with that of the UPV, and researchers are working on it.
Balluerka asked him if there could be any misgivings in Osakidetza because the researchers have come into his field and answered him no, that it should not be. He added that they have been made available to Osakidetza and that they will meet their criteria.