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Thermo Fisher Develops New COVID-19 Antibody Assay Targeting Transplant Community

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 11 Aug 2020

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Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Waltham, MA, USA) has developed a new serological assay targeted towards transplant candidates and recipients that can detect antibodies directed against COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2).

Thermo Fisher's transplant diagnostic business has developed the LABScreen COVID Plus Assay which will be provided under the company's One Lambda brand representing leading in vitro diagnostic products for the transplant community. The assay leverages the Luminex xMAP technology to detect multiple distinct antibodies and fragments, making it more specific than current assays and able to reduce false positives caused by infections with common coronavirus. In combination with HLA antibody detection, the LABScreen COVID Plus reagents can help provide a more complete picture of a patient's antibody profile.

"We're proud of the role we play in responding to the pandemic, and this is one of many examples that demonstrate our ability and our commitment to fight COVID-19," said Nicole Brockway, president of the transplant diagnostic business for Thermo Fisher. "Transplant patients have unique needs compared to other COVID-19 patients, and with the support of Luminex and our research partners, we're delivering an innovative solution that's tailored to meet those needs."

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