US-based life sciences company LabCorp has announced the availability of a new high-sensitivity antigen test to screen for active Covid-19 infection.
Developed by biotechnology company DiaSorin, the test will help doctors to determine if an individual is actively infected with and could spread Covid-19 virus.
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The company noted that the antigen test is available through a doctor’s prescription and is performed by a doctor or other healthcare provider.
They use a nasal or nasopharyngeal swab to collect the sample, which is then received and processed by Labcorp, after which the results are available within 24 to 48 hours after the pick-up.
Labcorp Diagnostics chief medical officer and president Brian Caveney said: “This new high-sensitivity antigen test is another example of Labcorp’s commitment to providing people with the information they need to make important health decisions.
“PCR tests are still considered the gold standard in diagnosing Covid-19 as they are able to detect the smallest traces of the virus.
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By GlobalData“However, an antigen test is an additional tool to help individuals know if they could still be carrying the virus or if they are safe to resume work and life activities.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the antigen tests can be used in various testing strategies to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic to determine whether a person diagnosed with the disease remains infectious.
Following notification to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 26 October last year, the DiaSorin LIAISON SARS-CoV-2 Ag antigen test has been made available to the US market.
