Company insight
Differentiation of Covid-19 from seasonal infections
Mobidiag, a Finnish company with expertise in molecular diagnostics, provides multiplex tests that enable similar respiratory symptom-causing viruses to be tested simultaneously, including SARS-CoV-2. In the current Covid-19 pandemic, this can increase testing capacity and lead to easier and faster diagnosis.
T
he Covid-19 pandemic has brought challenges to maintain adequate testing capacity in laboratories. At the same time, during the winter season, when healthcare is also burdened by typical seasonal infections such as the flu, it is even more important to ensure continuous testing. “Clearly, it is worthwhile to get a result for several pathogens in one test. The work is multiplied if each virus is tested separately,” says Mobidiag’s R&D director Juha Kirveskari. “This also has a clear cost impact.”
In addition to SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B and RSV can be simultaneously tested with Mobidiag’s RESP-4 multiplex assay. Most benefit is gained when the multiplex test is used for patients who already have symptoms. “In symptomatic patients, this assay should be the first choice. With such testing, the treatment can be directed correctly and in relevant time. When several tests are done consecutively, the window for therapy may pass. For example, flu treatment should be started as soon as possible,” Kirveskari says. He also sees an advantage in multiplex testing for managing the epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2. “Multiplex testing reduces process delays and overall system workload.”
Testing solution adapted to all laboratory capabilities The RESP-4 multiplex assay can be performed on Mobidiag-automated platforms. Tests can be run on: ■the Amplidiag Easy platform, suitable for testing large batches of samples
■the Novodiag system, which is designed for lower throughput on-demand testing.
14
Amplidiag RESP-4 test (for high-throughput testing), and Novodiag RESP-4 test (for on-demand testing).
Amplidiag RESP-4 (CE-IVD) is now available, and will shortly be followed by Novodiag RESP-4 (CE-IVD ongoing). “The Amplidiag solution is intended for large-scale routine diagnostics in large laboratory environments,” says Juha Saharinen, senior R&D manager at Mobidiag, “whereas Novodiag is well-suited for rapid on-demand testing, such as in emergency departments or diagnosing patients directly at airports.” Technically, the new assays work the same way as the already available targeted Mobidiag Covid-19 tests, which detects two SARS- CoV-2 targets to ensure maximum assay performance. From the user’s point of view there is no difference. One factor that sets Mobidiag apart from most competitors is the sample transport tube, which inactivates the virus, so there is no risk of contamination during transport. Both Kirveskari and Saharinen highlight its versatility, as it is available for both large-scale and rapid local testing. Additionally, Mobidiag has been focusing on securing supply of the raw materials needed to make these assays. To ensure product availability, even at times of high demand. Mobidiag differs from its competitors in that many of the key assay components are manufactured internally,
for example enzymes, which is quite unique for a diagnostic company.
Relevance of multiplexing in the current pandemic
Mobidiag has been witnessing an increasing shift from testing one single pathogen to testing multiple pathogens simultaneously. The RESP-4 assays are a good example of such multiplex tests. “Mobidiag’s technologies enable the test panel to be even further expanded,” continues Saharinen, “and we have already recently launched the RESP-4 test with simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B as well as RSV A/B on the Amplidiag Easy platform, with Novodiag to follow soon. This is especially relevant as the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus testing could become a permanent part of respiratory multiplex tests after the current pandemic.” The strategic decision made by Mobidiag to take an active part in the fight against Covid-19, together with its existing technologies, enabled the company to respond quickly to the urgent needs linked to Covid-19, and means it is in a good position to react rapidly to whatever happens during the next flu season. ●
www.mobidiag.com Practical Patient Care /
www.practical-patient-care.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59
