CORONAVIRUS NEWS
New nasal vaccine shows promise for COVID-19
New research shows that a needle-free mucosal bacteriophage (phage) T4-based COVID-19 vaccine is effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Two assays launched for the quantification of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies
EUROIMMUN, a PerkinElmer company, has launched two CE-marked assays – the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD ChLIA (IgG) and the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Omicron ELISA (IgG). Both facilitate the detection of IgG antibodies formed against SARS-CoV-2.
SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and COVID-19 disease: a pandemic story update
Pathology services continue to face challenges to detect the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, and provide laboratory support to COVID-19 disease patients.
Two years since the launch of the first SARS-CoV-2 PCR test
In the two years since it launched the world's first commercially available COVID-19 PCR test, Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland has distributed 10 million tests from its base in West Sussex.
LumiraDx receives UK MHRA approval for SARS-CoV-2 RNA STAR Complete
LumiraDx has announced that its COVID-19 molecular assay, LumiraDx SARS-CoV-2 RNA STAR Complete, has been validated by Coronavirus Test Device Approvals (CTDA) and received UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approval.
Introducing Omicron-reactive antibodies
The Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus possesses multiple mutations in the spike protein. However, this variant also has mutations in the nucleocapsid protein (N).
Introducing a new disruptive T-cell test
As the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to cause concerns, with new variants spreading worldwide, it is now widely recognised that there must be a move beyond a ‘test & trace’ only approach.
Measuring neutralising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus
Bio-Rad Laboratories has launched Bio-Plex Pro Human SARS-CoV-2 Variant neutralisation antibody assays, which allow scientists to measure neutralising antibodies quickly and efficiently against wild-type and significant variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Support for Public Health Wales in the fight against SARS-CoV-2
Public Health Wales uses Seegene’s Allplex SARS-CoV-2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Assay and Allplex SARS-CoV-2 Variant Assay to help with the nation’s fight against SARS-CoV-2.
A statement on the new Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.1.529)
Geoff Twist, Managing Director, Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland has issued a statement on the new Omicron variant.
Moves to safeguard consumer interests around PCR testing welcomed
Randox has responded to a recent announcement on PCR testing by the Consumer and Markets Authority (CMA).
High-multiplex PCR assay capable of detecting Omicron variant
Seegene, South Korea's leading molecular diagnostics company, has confirmed that its Allplex SARS-CoV-2 Master Assay is capable of detecting Omicron's unique pattern of mutations.
Glasgow Centre for Virus Research wins Queen’s Anniversary Prize
The MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research has been recognised with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize.
Discovering ‘Virus Velcro’: COVID-capturing face mask filter
Scientists have developed a new and affordable formulation to increase the effectiveness of face covering filters at trapping coronavirus particles, retaining up to 99.6% of the virus.
Immunoassay panels to study SARS-CoV-2 antibody response
Bio-Rad Laboratories has announced the launch of the Bio-Plex Pro Human IgA and IgM SARS-CoV-2 panels to detect IgA and IgM antibodies against four SARS-CoV-2 antigens.
Why some individuals have stronger natural defences against SARS-COV-2
A new study has revealed key insights into the natural human antiviral defences against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
State-of-the-art PCR testing laboratory at Liverpool airport
Salutaris People, a British healthcare and testing company, has unveiled a brand new SARS-CoV-2 testing laboratory at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Screening for SARS-CoV-2 faster with AI than lateral-flow tests
Researchers at the University of Oxford are seeking NHSX funding for an artificial intelligence (AI) SARS-CoV-2 screening test.
App to help demystify the effect of SARS-CoV-2 mutations
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has focused everyone’s attention on the hidden world of viruses. The emergence of new variants, such as Beta and Delta, affects everyone: some variants spread more quickly and some are less affected by vaccines. But why?
Setting the pace for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 mutations and variants
Scientists at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles have been paying close attention to the behaviour of SARS-CoV-2 since the beginning of the pandemic, and have read the genetic sequence of the virus from every positive sample to identify mutations.
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