A new laboratory for novel coronavirus pneumonia -- or NCP -- testing and detection went into operation in Wuhan, the epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak, on Feb 5, according to local media reports.
The lab, measuring some 2,000 square meters, aims to speed up the testing for NCP infections and is designed to test 10,000 samples per day.
It has a core experimental area of 1,000 sq m and is strictly designed in accordance with the high requirements for P2 (Biosafety Level 2) laboratories.
The laboratory is equipped with 30 B2 biological safety cabinets and 12 automated nucleic acid extraction devices.
Officials said the lab would help provide Wuhan and its surrounding cities with sufficient testing capabilities.
