Fast COVID-19 test kit rolled out by Biolidics | COVID-19 test from UnitedHealth to debut | Elevated vitamin B12 levels lower odds of Parkinson's-related dementia
Singapore-based Biolidics rolled out its fast COVID-19 test kit that can detect the novel coronavirus within 10 minutes and with approximately 95% accuracy. Singapore's Health Science Authority has given the company's test kit provisional authorization.
A self-administered coronavirus test will be launched by UnitedHealth Group to help reduce the exposure risk of health care providers. A study found the swab tests accurately detected the virus in more than 90% of positive patients.
Researchers found that people with Parkinson's disease who didn't develop dementia had significantly elevated blood levels of vitamin B12 at diagnosis, compared with those who developed dementia, with each 100 ng/L rise in vitamin B12 levels linked to significantly lower dementia risk. The findings in the journal Parkinsonism & Related Disorders also showed that a 587 ng/L vitamin B12 level cutoff yielded 87% sensitivity and 70% specificity in distinguishing those with and without dementia.
The FDA has given emergency use authorization to Qiagen for its QIAstat-Dx SARS-CoV-2 test kit, a multiplex test that can deliver results in about an hour.
The FDA has given clearance to Siemens Healthineers' RapidPoint 500e blood gas analyzer, used to monitor and diagnose patients who are critically ill. The device may be used to monitor respiratory distress in COVID-19 patients.
The FDA has given emergency use authorization to Bodysphere's COVID-19 test. The test can deliver results within 2 minutes and has a 99% sensitivity rate and 91% specificity rate.
A $13 million contract from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority will help Cue Health develop and obtain FDA approval for a rapid SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care test. The nasal swab test can deliver results within 25 minutes.
Basic Health International has temporarily switched focus from preventing cervical cancer to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and is raising funds for validation of a rapid, inexpensive COVID-19 test by Atila Biosystems. The test is based on Atila's existing human papillomavirus test platform and doesn't require an RNA test reagent.
AACC has launched the COVID-19 Testing Directory, a new resource for healthcare professionals seeking access to clinical laboratory testing services for SARS-CoV-2. The directory is comprised of clinical laboratories that are, or will be, performing SARS-CoV-2 testing.
