Biotypos Dignostics Centres offer detection of SARS-cov2 byNucleic Acid Testing (PCR) and lateral flow testing (Rapid Test) in Nasopharyngeal /Oropharyngeal specimens of possibly infected individuals.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA coronavirus that causes covid19 (coronavirus disease 2019), the respiratory illness responsible for the ongoing covid19 pandemic. The virus spreads between people through close contact and via aerosols and respiratory droplets that are exhaled when talking, breathing, coughing or sneezing.
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020, and the pandemic on 11 March 2020.
Ever since the declaration of the pandemic, diagnostic centers implemented accurate diagnostic tests for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in order to contribute to clinical and public health strategies to manage the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT’s)
Eight Biotypos, Diagnostic Centers in Attica region (Chalandri, Cholargos, Melissia, Egaleo, Pefki, Khfisia, Galatsi and Zografou) offer the highly sensitive technique (sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%) of real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). This technique finds specific viral genetic sequences in a nose or throat sample. Copies of this genetic material are created through amplification cycles. Our assay detects regions of the Orf1ab and N-gene of SARS-cov2.In addition, a third pair of primers/probes is used as an internal control (EC, extraction control) which confirm the RNA extraction (limit of detection 120 copies/ml).
SARS-cov2 RNA is detectable in respiratory specimens during the early and acute phases of infection. Clinical correlation with patient history and other diagnostic information is necessary. Positive results do not rule out an additional bacterial infection or a co-infection with other viruses.
Lateral flow antigen testing (Rapid tests)
People with suspected COVID‐19 need to know as quick as possible if they are infected, in order to self‐isolate, receive treatment, and inform close contacts.
The forementioned eight Biotypos Diagnostic Centers offer rapid SARS-cov2 antigen testing in nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal specimens (sensitivity 90,2%, specificity 100%, depending on viral load) using conjugated antibodies against spike protein, envelope, membrane or nucleocapsid of SARS-cov2. Result obtained 10 minutes after sampling.
Both techniques applied by Biotypos, meet WHO’s priority target product profiles for COVID‐19 diagnostics (‘acceptable’ sensitivity ≥ 80% and specificity ≥ 97%).
Contact Details:
Leoforos Pentelis 13 – Chalandri, Athens
Tel: +30 210 6894509
Fax: +30 210 6849210
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.biotypos.gr