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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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Upcoming Events

POCT Innovators: The Power to Disrupt Series

Cloth Hall Court, Leeds. UK
20 March, 2024

Interpreting Reports: UK NEQAS Haematology

ONLINE
21st March 2024

USCAP 113th Annual Meeting

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
23-28 March, 2024

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

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

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