Category: Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Updated Cochrane Review Assesses COVID-19 Rapid Test Accuracy

The review shows that rapid antigen tests are better at correctly identifying cases of COVID-19 in people with symptoms than in people without symptoms.

Infectious Diseases

Roche SARS-CoV-2 Variant Test Helps Monitor Emerging Covid-19 Mutations

The Roche Cobas SARS-CoV-2 Variant Set 1 Test, for research use only, detects and differentiates mutations found in variants that originated in the UK (B.1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351), and Brazil (P.1).

Infectious Diseases

Study of ‘Breakthrough’ Cases Suggests Covid Testing Here to Stay

New findings from Rockefeller University suggest that so-called breakthrough cases may be driven by rapid evolution of the virus, and that ongoing covid-19 testing of immunized individuals will be important to help mitigate future outbreaks.

Emerging & Zoonotic Diseases

FDA Clears Gold Standard Diagnostics Lyme Disease Test

This new B. burgdorferi IgG/IgM VlsE-OspC EIA test, when used in conjunction with the other FDA cleared GSD Lyme EIA tests, can be used in the CDC recommended modified two-tiered testing (MTTT) algorithm.

Flu & Respiratory Infections

ProPhase Labs Begins Advanced, Saliva-based Viral PCR Multiplex-Testing for Covid-19, Other Viruses

Testing integrates the Spectrum Solutions saliva self-collection system with a new, advanced multiplex qPCR platform for the simultaneous RNA detection of covid-19 and its viral mutations, as well as Influenza A, B, and more.

Gastrointestinal Infections

Study Offers Promise for Early Detection of Infections among Childhood Leukemia Patients

A noninvasive blood test may provide a ‘crystal ball’ for early detection of infections, leading to increased cure rates among pediatric leukemia patients.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

STIs in the Time of Covid-19

Increasing public awareness of the laboratory’s role in public health offers an opportunity to slow the spread of sexually transmitted infections.