NAME: GENORING, ZEBINA P.

HTA ASSESSMENT TASK #1

At the height of the pandemic, a medical director of a certain local government unit in the
region requested for the purchase of an RT-PCR machine. If you were a member of the
HTA team of the DOH, describe the HTA in terms of :

1. technology-oriented assessment

In terms of technology-oriented assessment, the RT-PCR tests is referred by the

DOH as the “gold standard” in COVID-19 testing. The RT-PCR machine detects the
virus's actual presence even when a person is asymptomatic or fails to exhibit any of the
typical COVID-19 symptoms. The RT-PCR machine can process 80 tests a day on an 8-
hour schedule and can be ramped up until 200 tests if operations time will be extended.
However the cost is very much pricey, an average machine costs PhP 2.4 million.

Price is often one of the first and most important factors to consider when purchasing
a new machine. One reason for this is that it obviously has a direct and immediate
impact on your lab’s budget. Aside from that, there are few more hidden costs, such as
the running cost of the cycler, that are far less obvious as they are spread over the
years. So, we must consider not only the efficiency of the machine but the cost as well.

2. problem-oriented assessment

Although it is not ideal for an LGU to purchase one due to the machine's high price,
there are alternatives that can be used to continue providing high-quality healthcare.
Other viral RNA detection tests and antigen detection tests are alternatives to lab-based
RT-PCR. Many of the identified technologies might be better viewed as potential future
developments. A wide range of alternatives to RT-PCR is now commercially available for
the purposes of detecting current SARS-CoV-2 infection, including alternatives such as
rapid molecular-based tests as well as rapid antigen detection tests (RADTs).

3. project-oriented assessment

If I were a member of the HTA team, I would not advise buying the device due to the
following factors. First, we must determine whether the machine is actually necessary,
and if not then we can proceed in using the alternatives. Second we must know whether
there will be personnel to operate the machine or, do we have a machine management
expert in our local unit? Another important factor that must be taken into account is the
budget or financial standing of the local government (LGU) unit. Is there a budget
allocated for this machine to be taken into consideration? If none then we should not
proceed to purchasing the RT-PCR machine.

Another Important thing before purchasing new equipment or upgrade existing

devices, is that labs should thoroughly understand the regulations relevant to their facility
and to the devices being purchased. There are different levels of complexity and
purchasing or upgrading a device may change the complexity category of the
procedures. In such cases, changes in certification and additional staff training will be
necessary. Changes have to be also made in quality control, proficiency testing, and
other lab procedures.