The assay holds the capacity to precisely identify four viral infections, including Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A and influenza B, in one patient sample
Avellino has introduced multi-panel RT-PCR-based virus assay. (Credit: Thomas G. from Pixabay)
Genetic molecular diagnostics provider Avellino Lab USA has introduced a multi-panel RT-PCR-based virus assay called AvellinoCoV2 – Respiratory Test.
The multi-panel assay holds the capacity to precisely identify four viral infections, including Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A and influenza B, in one patient sample.
According to the company, the expanded panel provides 100% sensitivity for RSV and influenza A and B, 100% accuracy for influenza A and B, in addition to more than 99% accuracy for RSV.
By analysing the N gene, the test is said to identify the presence of the Omicron variant including BA.2. as well as all other known Covid-19 variants.
Test samples, which are collected using a mid-turbinate nasal swab, will be shipped to Avellino’s high-complexity CLIA certified laboratory for analysis.
Situated in Menlo Park, the laboratory processed up to three million of the company’s Covid-19 tests and holds the capacity to process up to 30,000 tests per day.
AvellinoCoV2 – Respiratory Test also holds the capability to identify flurona, a term used for a co-infection of Covid-19 and influenza, or any combination of detectable viruses such as Covid-19, influenza A, influenza B, and RSV.
In Texas and California, the first cases of flurona were detected in January, said the company.
Avellino chief scientific officer Nazneen Aziz said: “The expanded AvellinoCoV2 – Respiratory Test supports the CDC’s notice last June to expand RSV testing, as well as the physician need to test for both Covid-19 and influenza, which is now even more important with the emergence of flurona.
“With accurate and early diagnosis medical care professionals can make appropriate patient management decisions and better utilize medical resources.”
Avellino also supplies a rapid antigen Covid-19 test that identifies the presence of SARS-CoV-2, as well as an antibody test kit that detects the presence of antibodies to the S protein of the virus acquired through vaccinations or past infections from SARS-CoV-2.