The Covid-19 pandemic is serving to highlight the vital role that platinum group metals (PGMs) play in the health sector. Platinum, with which South Africa is more endowed than any other country on earth, is more relevant than ever as it joins the fight against Covid-19, the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) states.
For example, platinum is the material of choice for electrodes in blood gas analysers owing to its fast response and reduced measurement error compared with other electrode options, WPIC’s release to Mining Weekly points out.
Instruments that read blood gas composition are proving vital as a diagnostic tool for healthcare professionals treating the virus as they help to screen, diagnose and monitor patients suffering from respiratory compromise, the release states.