The National Pathology Group wrote in a letter on Friday about its predicament since the outbreak of the virus, saying that more and more requests for tests are putting enormous pressure on the lab’s resources and supplies.
“The global demand has caused a bottleneck with the provision of N95 face masks, swabs, gloves and Covid-19 test kits”.
The laboratory chiefs confirmed the inventory problem makes it difficult to keep track of tests and reliable results, and to deliver the results within a specific time.
According to the letter, the laboratories work together to purchase and share supplies, so that everyone can do their job as efficiently as possible.

Lancet Laboratories also said on Twitter that the company is working around the clock to ensure that results are released in a timely manner.
1/2 Lancet Laboratories would like to reassure our valued patients we are collectively working around the clock to ensure that results are released in a timely and accurate manner, however challenges are imminent nationally.
— Lancet Laboratories (@LancetLab_ZA) March 20, 2020