Eurofins Technologies has debuted two new products to aid in testing for COVID-19 -- a 15-minute rapid antigen test and a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) diagnostic validated with pharynx gargling samples.
The GSD NovaGen SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid test delivers results within 15 minutes, according to Eurofins. It works with nasopharyngeal swabs and achieved diagnostic sensitivity of 93% and diagnostic specificity of 93%, the company reported.
The GSD NovaPrime SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assay can simultaneously detect two sequences in the N gene of the novel coronavirus. The diagnostic provides results in approximately one hour. noted Eurofins.
In addition, the GSD NovaPrime RT-PCR assay was validated for pharynx gargling samples, a method of testing that is particularly useful for children. Gargling is both easy-to-use and more comfortable than the nasopharyngeal swabs.
Licensed practitioners can purchase both COVID-19 diagnostics at the Eurofins Technologies online store. The technologies are for use only where authorized in Europe, although Eurofins plans to file an emergency use authorizations for the new tests with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the future.
