A new virusological laboratory outfitted with modern equipment will be set up in Moldova until the end of this year, the head of the National Scientific Practical Center of Preventive Medicine Oleg Benes informed at a news conference, Info-Prim Neo reports. The announcement was made following discussions about the tests for pandemic flu, their number and the necessity of performing laboratory tests to see if a new strain of the disease appears. Deputy Minister of Health Mihai Magdei said the existent laboratory tests the samples in strict compliance with the norms of the World Heath Organization. Not all the samples taken from patients with pandemic flu-like symptoms are tested at the laboratory. About 150 samples are examined every day at a cost of 150,000 lei. The investigations aim to follow the spread of the virus and determine possible modifications in its structure. The tests done at the laboratory in Chisinau have been checked and confirmed in London. No mutations have been identified yet. In some cases, the family doctors diagnose themselves the disease as they have been specially trained in this. The equipment of the new laboratory is purchased from money provided by the World Bank. The laboratory will occupy 250 square meters.