Diagnostics
of their illness, reducing the anxiety associated with diagnostic uncertainty.
Future-proofing respiratory disease management The ability of multiplexed respiratory assays to simultaneously detect a range of pathogens represents a transformative leap forward in infectious disease management. As we navigate a future where SARS-CoV-2 remains a persistent threat – alongside a host of seasonal illnesses – multiplexed testing panels represent a way to manage respiratory health. The efficiency, accuracy and ongoing adaptability of these testing solutions make them valuable assets in the ongoing battle against respiratory diseases. These cutting-edge diagnostic tools offer enhanced speed and accuracy, helping to curb the spread of diseases and prevent future pandemics. Additionally, they enable a better understanding of respiratory infections, by monitoring the presence of multiple pathogens simultaneously. This comprehensive approach not only aids in accurate diagnosis, but also provides valuable data for ongoing epidemiological surveillance and outbreak control. As a result, multiplexed respiratory assays have the potential to fortify our healthcare
About the authors
systems against evolving infectious threats, enhancing our resilience and responsiveness to respiratory diseases for years to come.
delivering-the-flu-immunisation-programme- during-the-covid-19-pandemic
CSJ
References 1. What is genomic surveillance?. 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed: 3rd October 2023. Available at: https://
www.gov.uk/government/publications/ health-matters-flu-immunisation- programme-and-covid-19/health-matters- delivering-the-flu-immunisation-programme- during-the-covid-19-pandemic
2. Variant: 21K (Omicron). 2023. CoVariants. Accessed: 5th October 2023. Available at:
https://covariants.org/variants/21K.Omicron
3. Understanding genomic surveillance: What is it?. 2021. University of Pittsburgh. Accessed: 3rd October 2023. Available at: https://www.pitt. edu/pittwire/features-articles/understanding- genomic-surveillance-what-it
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GOV.UK. Accessed: 3rd October 2023. Available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/health-matters-flu-immunisation- programme-and-covid-19/health-matters-
5. Harrington, W.N., Kackos, C.M. and Webby, R.J. 2021. The evolution and future of influenza pandemic preparedness. Experimental & Molecular Medicine, 53:737-749. doi:10.1038/ s12276-021-00603-0
6. Louten, J. 2016. Virus structure and classification. Essential Human Virology, 19- 29. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-800947-5.00002-8
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9. Wils, J., Saegeman, V. and Schuermans, A. Impact of multiplexed respiratory viral panels on infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship: A review of the literature. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases. 2021;41(2):187-202. doi:10.1007/s10096-021- 04375-3.
Dr. Andrew Birnie
Dr. Andrew Birnie holds a PhD in Veterinary Parasitology from the University of Glasgow, and worked in several commercial roles in the molecular biology field before landing the position of Head of Technical Support at Novacyt at the beginning of 2020. He was jointly responsible for setting up the company’s technical support team and establishing its network of field application specialists. His team’s role is to support clinical laboratories in implementing rapid and accurate diagnostics solutions to protect the public from the threat of infectious diseases.
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Dr. Paul Oladimeji
Dr. Paul Oladimeji comes from a neuroscience background, having completed his PhD in Neuropsychiatry at Cranfield University. He undertook his postdoctoral research at Primerdesign, and has gained over 10 years of experience in the molecular diagnostics industry. As the Head of Research and Development at Novacyt, Paul is responsible for shaping and driving the company’s technology roadmap as it seeks to make medical diagnostics safer, more effective and more accessible for all.
Gemma Stokes
Gemma Stokes is a highly experienced molecular biologist specialising in qPCR assay design and validation. She holds an MSc in molecular genetics from the University of Leicester, and has worked for a number of diagnostics companies. Gemma has been a valued member of Novacyt for over four years, designing qPCR primers and probes for genotyping, gene expression and pathogen identification, and leading a team of qPCR assay design specialists to support the company’s development of accurate and efficient diagnostic tests.
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