LabMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News Expo Clinical Chem. Molecular Diagnostics Hematology Immunology Microbiology Pathology Technology Industry Focus

SARS-CoV-2 Variant Test Breakthrough to Improve Tracking and Understanding of Emerging COVID-19 Mutations

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 15 Jun 2021
Illustration
Illustration
A new highly reliable COVID-19 variant test can accurately identify known SARS-CoV-2 variants and aid in the discovery of novel variants.

Aventus Health (Orlando, FL, USA) has launched its new COVID-19 Variant Test designed to reliably identify known SARS-CoV-2 variants and the discovery of novel variants. Aventus’ COVID-19 Variant Test was developed through an innovative application of its Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology and the cutting-edge, laboratory-developed assay that together break down the sequence of base pairs that constitute the genetic makeup of the various strains of corona virus. The result is a reliable test result that can advance the study, tracking and understanding of emerging COVID-19 variants and their potential impact on public health.

Aventus offers a suite of COVID-19 testing services and will now include reflex testing-to-NGS on all Aventus’ RT-PCR patient tests that return a positive result in order to identify currently known variants as well as those yet to be discovered. There is no additional cost or special instructions for individuals using Aventus’ tests.

According to Aventus’ Medical Director, Michelle Taylor, MD, variant testing is complicated and not widely available because it requires scientists use a process called genomic sequencing, which requires advanced and expensive technology and diagnostic expertise. “The instruments Aventus uses are manufactured for the highest sensitivity genetic sequencing capabilities on the market,” Dr. Taylor noted. “They are critical to our mission of helping healthcare providers leverage innovations in genomics and diagnostics to deliver affordable and effective personalized and precision medicine. Addressing the need for COVID-19 and variant testing and diagnostics is a natural fit for us.”

“This is a breakthrough in healthcare that will greatly aid the general public in better understanding the different strains of COVID-19. It will allow us to know what strain an individual has and even get ahead of the curve on any new strains that may develop,” added Oliver Dawoud, Aventus CEO.


Related Links:
Aventus Health

Gold Member
Multiplex Genetic Analyzer
MassARRAY Dx Analyzer (Europe only)
POC Helicobacter Pylori Test Kit
Hepy Urease Test
Pipette
Accumax Smart Series
Automatic CLIA Analyzer
Shine i9000

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The diagnostic device can tell how deadly brain tumors respond to treatment from a simple blood test (Photo courtesy of UQ)

Diagnostic Device Predicts Treatment Response for Brain Tumors Via Blood Test

Glioblastoma is one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer, largely because doctors have no reliable way to determine whether treatments are working in real time. Assessing therapeutic response currently... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Circulating tumor cells isolated from blood samples could help guide immunotherapy decisions (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Identifies Lung Cancer Patients Who Can Benefit from Immunotherapy Drug

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease with limited treatment options, and even newly approved immunotherapies do not benefit all patients. While immunotherapy can extend survival for some,... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: New evidence suggests that imbalances in the gut microbiome may contribute to the onset and progression of MCI and Alzheimer’s disease (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Comprehensive Review Identifies Gut Microbiome Signatures Associated With Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 6.7 million people in the United States and nearly 50 million worldwide, yet early cognitive decline remains difficult to characterize. Increasing evidence suggests... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: Vitestro has shared a detailed visual explanation of its Autonomous Robotic Phlebotomy Device (photo courtesy of Vitestro)

Robotic Technology Unveiled for Automated Diagnostic Blood Draws

Routine diagnostic blood collection is a high‑volume task that can strain staffing and introduce human‑dependent variability, with downstream implications for sample quality and patient experience.... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: Roche’s cobas® Mass Spec solution enables fully automated mass spectrometry in routine clinical laboratories (Photo courtesy of Roche)

New Collaboration Brings Automated Mass Spectrometry to Routine Laboratory Testing

Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique that identifies and quantifies molecules based on their mass and electrical charge. Its high selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy make it indispensable... Read more