MicroGenDX launched a COVID-19 testing service that is available to hospitals, clinics or patients with a provider authorization code, the company said in a news release.
The test is a real-time Reverse Transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR) assay for the specific detection of the SARS- CoV-2 virus. The MicroGenDX test uses saliva and sputum samples. It also has been validated for both nasopharyngeal (nasal) and oropharyngeal (oral) swabs.
“We looked at the data regarding viral detection rates with various sample types. A saliva or sputum sample has a higher detection rate than nasal swabs, and we are confident our test is sensitive enough to detect COV19 in sputum, even if the patient does not have a productive cough,” said Rick Martin, CEO of MicroGenDX, which specializes in molecular testing services through PCR and Next-Generation DNA Sequencing.
MicroGenDX also said it developed the collection technique around saliva and sputum to prevent reliance on materials in short supply such as swabs and viral transport media. The lab validated sterile saline as a viable transport media for testing.
MicroGenDX runs its COVID-19 Rapid PCR Test at its diagnostic laboratory in Lubbock, TX, with a 24-hour turnaround from time of sample receipt. The lab has a capacity of 5,000 COVID-19 samples per day and plans to increase that number to 10,000 per day in the future.
