Coronavirus Testing Swabs – Manufacturers and Suppliers
Coronavirus testing swabs are a key component in the process of diagnosing a patient who is suffering from the virus. This can help ensure that the patient is not infected with the disease, and is able to receive treatment. Several different manufacturers and suppliers offer these products. Some are FDA-approved, and others aren’t. You’ll want to choose a supplier that offers a high-quality product, as well as one that meets your unique requirements.
PerkinElmer
PerkinElmer Coronavirus Testing Swabs are FDA-approved for use in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in individuals without symptoms. However, even negative results should be interpreted in the context of individual histories and exposures.
The PerkinElmer New Coronavirus Nucleic Acid Detection Kit is intended for use by trained real-time PCR clinical laboratory personnel in asymptomatic screening of individuals. It is specifically designed for testing the upper respiratory tract and mid-turbinate.
This PCR assay is a part of the company’s broad portfolio of COVID-19 diagnostics. It is designed to be used in conjunction with other components of an infection control plan.
Luminex
A SARS-CoV-2 test kit from Luminex has received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration. It is available for health care providers, though only authorized laboratories can order it.
The SARS-CoV-2 test can detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus from viral RNA or nucleic acid. Laboratory specimens are analyzed in a real-time RT-PCR. This technology uses oligonucleotide primers and probes that are continually monitored for performance.
In the past year, Luminex has made several internal changes. It hired 20 new employees in Austin, Texas, to focus on development and diagnostic technologies.
Primer Design
There is an increasing number of human seasonal coronaviruses, a phenomenon that made the development of a universal primer/probe set challenging. In addition, the number of targets can complicate the design of a primer.
A study was designed to identify the best suited oligonucleotide sequences for testing swabs. The aim was to develop a universal primer/probe set for all human seasonal coronaviruses.
The optimal primers were selected after careful analysis of reference sequences. They were based on 16 primer binding sites from the SARS-CoV-2 genome.
Primer/probe sets were synthesized using IDT and purified by standard desalting. Their performance was tested in both singleplex and multiplex conditions.
Chembio diagnostics
Chembio diagnostics is a leading player in the point-of-care (POC) testing space. Their proprietary DPP technology platform provides high-quality rapid diagnostic results in 15 to 20 minutes. They have a wide portfolio of tests with FDA regulatory approvals.
Chembio’s DPP Micro Reader is a high-performance optical analyzer that reports accurate results in about 15 seconds. It’s also well suited for decentralized testing. The company’s proprietary DPP technology enables the identification of up to eight distinct test results from a single patient sample. This is a massive improvement over the standard one-off methods used by most laboratories.
GenMark
Whether you have been infected with Covid-19 or you are concerned about having it, FDA approved GenMark Coronavirus Testing Swabs are a great tool for testing. These tests are designed to help you identify and treat the virus.
You can order a test kit from a manufacturer directly, or you can order from a distributor. The company will then pick up your specimen and run it through a test. In a matter of an hour, you will be provided with results.
While you can use an oropharyngeal swab to collect a fluid sample, you can also use a mid-turbinate swab. Alternatively, you can collect a saliva sample using a tube.
BD
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to BD’s new rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2. This test, BD Veritor(tm) At-Home COVID-19 Test, is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay that detects the presence of COVID-19 nucleocapsid antigens in swabs. Symptoms of infection are typically felt within seven days of onset, and this test is recommended for individuals who are without symptoms.
The test is intended for use with BD Veritor(tm) Plus System. It can identify influenza A and B as well as SARS-CoV-2. Results are obtained in 15 minutes. An individual’s results are displayed on a compatible smartphone, allowing patients to get the information they need to make an informed decision about their health.
Quidel
It is important to test frequently. This can prevent spreading the virus and ensure that patients are not unknowingly infected. The nasopharyngeal tract is the final site of viral infection.
Testing is also a good way to check the effectiveness of vaccination. Tests that detect antigens or fragments within the virus are useful for this purpose. There are various types of tests, including fluorescent immunoassays and RT-PCR. A positive test means the test is detecting a contaminant, while a negative test indicates that the test is detecting a harmless fragment.
