FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs

Laboratory Capacity


  • All FSM State hospital labs currently have the capacity for COVID-19 testing locally using both the GeneXpert and CDC Abbot ID NOW test-kits and instruments.
  • Training of IDNow machine is on-going
  • All State hospital laboratories have at least one IATA certified shipper designated.
    • Trainers of IATA lab shippers have been recertified for another 2 years.
    • Standard Operating Procedures for sample collection and shipping have been developed for all labs and shippers trained.
  • A total of 96 tests have been performed to date for SARSCoV-2 by FSM laboratories.
  • Lab testing supplies have been received in multiple shipments to maximize shelf life.
    • When all shipments are received there should be sufficient testing supplies for 10% of the FSM population.
  • All laboratories have received two Abbot ID Now analyzers and have 1-2 Cepheid GeneXpert PCR analyzers.
GeneXpert available by state:
  • Pohnpei -2
  • Chuuk – 2
  • Yap – 1
  • Kosrae – 1

  • One additional GXIV is on order for each laboratory.
  • All laboratories have i-STAT devices for arterial blood gas determinations.
  • Biofire, a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing device that can test for over 20 pathogens at one time, is being procured for Yap, Chuuk and Kosrae laboratories from ELC Enhancing Detection funding.
  • FSM was awarded $4M from CDC ELC Enhancing Detection Fund.
    • Work plans for this funding have been approved and will include significant upgrades to laboratory and IT equipment.

Abbot IDNow 5 min. portable test
https://images.app.goo.gl/edJ8HKu7oj4kgPkX8