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.
Featured Supplier
For over 40 years Alpha Laboratories has been providing quality supply and support to UK healthcare professionals for their diagnostic and laboratory product needs. With a continued drive to find new ways to help science improve people’s lives, it focuses on specialist biomarkers such as calprotectin for IBD, alongside routine...
Upcoming Events
UKMedLab23
Royal Armouries, Leeds
12-14 June 2023
Liverpool Pathology 2023
University of Liverpool
27-29 June
Microscience Microscopy Congress 2023 (mmc 2023, incorporating EMAG 2023)
Manchester Central Conference Centre
4-6 July 2023
Annual SHOT Symposium 2023
Etihad Stadium, Manchester, M11 3FF
4 July 2023
SHOT webinar: Positive patient identification for safe transfusions in adults
Online
11 July
SHOT webinar: Accurate and complete patient identification for safe transfusions in children
Online
19 July
Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.
Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store