CORONAVIRUS NEWS

CE marking has been granted to whole-pathogen quality controls for SARS-CoV-2, from global diagnostics company Randox Laboratories. The molecular controls are currently being used alongside the firm’s coronavirus tests, performed on its proprietary Biochip, as part of a nationwide UK testing programme.

EKF Diagnostics has secured new contracts for the manufacture and supply of a novel, patented sample collection device which allows SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus samples to be rapidly inactivated in the collection tube, avoiding contamination and preserving RNA without need for refrigeration. To support the increase in testing globally, a safe and easy sample collection and transport mechanism is essential, and this is provided by the PrimeStore MTM sample collection device.

Siemens Healthineers is expanding its infectious disease testing capabilities to aid in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Recognising the critical need for accurate diagnostic testing, the company has developed a laboratory-based total antibody test to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in blood.

The current pandemic has created a demand for test kits that can be run with less amount of reagents while generating faster test results. Lumex Instruments’ microchip real-time PCR analyser, AriaDNA, by detecting SARS-CoV-2, has proven its ability to meet this demand. The Microchip RT-PCR coronavirus detection system based on AriaDNA can test up to seven patient samples in one run, which takes less than an hour, with low reagent consumption.

IDvet, a company specialising in the development and production of diagnostic tests for the detection of infectious diseases in farm animals, has announced the commercial launch of a SARS-CoV-2 antibody test for humans.

In the first of a new webinar series, University of Birmingham experts will discuss how research can help people living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to stay safe during the current coronavirus pandemic. Click on this story to registration for this free webinar, to be held on Thursday 21 May.

A serological screening machine with a claimed capacity of up to 3000 tests a day that produces results in 35 minutes with 99.8% accuracy has been developed by Quotient in Scotland and Switzerland. The blood-screening firm is now keen to hold talks with UK ministers amid interest from Europe for the machines.

The British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA) has commented on recent media headlines as testing continues to underpin the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

New antibody test kits for ongoing SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus testing and immunity research are now being manufactured in Essex. Europlaz Technologies, based in Southminster, has signed an exclusive contract to manufacture antibody test kits.

The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) and European Hematology Association (EHA) are collaborating to present a new webinar on coagulopathy in COVID-19 patients, to be held on 14 May (3.00 pm BST). Click on this story for the link to register for this free webinar.

Avacta Group, the developer of Affimer biotherapeutics and reagents, has shipped Affimer reagents for SARS-COV-2 antigen testing to its diagnostic test development partners. The Group recently reported that it had generated multiple, highly specific Affimer reagents that bind the SARS-COV-2 viral antigen and do not cross-react with SARS, MERS and other closely related coronaviruses.

Stago UK recently hosted a webinar on ‘Coagulation alterations and management of patients with COVID-19 infection’. The presenter, Professor Armando D’Angelo, has been involved in the management of COVID-19 patients in Italy’s Lombardy region, one of the worst affected areas in the world. Click on this story for links to free Stago webinars.

Recently, Proscia made available its Concentriq Dx digital pathology software for use in clinical practice in the USA, following Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance to provide a policy to help expand the availability of devices for remote reviewing and reporting of scanned digital images of pathology slides.

The role of unfractionated heparin (UFH) has come to the fore in the battle to save COVID -19 patients. With laboratories facing increased demand to measure anti-Xa activity, Stago UK is offering free enrolment in its Qualiris EQA scheme for UFH, which includes an anti-Xa assay peer group.

Now available from BioConnections, COVID-19 Ag Respi-Strip detects the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antigens in a nasopharyngeal swab in 15 minutes in more than seven out of 10 patients with the high viral load (Cycle threshold [Ct] <25; an inverse measure of the target [virus] concentration) found in the acute phase of COVID-19.

The Academy of Medical Sciences and the British Society for Immunology established an expert advisory group in early April 2020. Together, the experts reviewed the limited research that is currently available and identified key research priorities.

Roche has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for its new Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody test, which is designed to help determine if a patient has been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and if the patient has developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

CellPath is proud to supply the tools to make cancer diagnosis possible. Faced with the coronavirus outbreak, the company remains committed to supporting its customers’ crucial work. During this time, it is also necessary to protect valuable staff and the local community by ensuring the mid-Wales premises is safe for all.

InterSystems, a global leader in healthcare information systems and technology solutions, has signed an agreement with Pure Health, the largest laboratory operator in the Gulf countries, to deploy InterSystems’ TrakCare Lab Enterprise (TCLE) system, the first and only laboratory business management solution, to support the UAE’s testing initiatives for SARS-CoV-2.

Coronavirus infections are a common cause of mild colds, infecting thousands of people every year in the UK. They mostly circulate in the winter in temperate regions where they are often referred to as ‘seasonal coronaviruses’. However, in contrast to many other infectious diseases, little is known about how often, and in whom, these viruses cause illnesses requiring medical attention. Data describing their patterns of infection are lacking because they are not tested for often.