Rutgers Launches New Genetic Testing Service for COVID-19

A test for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been launched by Rutgers’ RUCDR Infinite Biologics using its automation experience and infrastructure to test as many as 1000 samples a day, according to a press release.

In addition, RUCDR has submitted an emergency use authorization request for a saliva collection method that will allow for broader population screening.

This effort will provide information that allows people who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 to know they need to self-quarantine, limiting the spread of the virus. In addition, essential workers, such as health care workers and first responders, will be able to quickly and safely return to work after recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 and testing negative, according to RUCDR.

The test is available to the RWJ Barnabas Health network and was rapidly deployed throughout the state through the partnership of RUCDR and Accurate Diagnostic Labs. This alternate collection option will help catapult access of testing and screening to the most needed populations, according to RUCDR.

“We can accept hundreds to thousands of samples for analysis per day now and potentially will be able to test tens of thousands of samples daily in the next several weeks,” said Andrew I. Brooks, chief operating officer and director of technology development at RUCDR Infinite Biologics, in a RUCDR press release.

“Saliva testing will help with the global shortage of swabs for sampling and increase testing of patients, and it will not require health care professionals to collect samples,” Brooks said in the release. “Saliva testing will also be important for people who are in quarantine because they don’t know how long it will be until they are no longer infectious. This will allow health care workers to release themselves from quarantine and safely come back to work.”

REFERENCE

Rutgers launches genetic testing service for new coronavirus. Rutgers. https://www.rutgers.edu/news/rutgers-launches-genetic-testing-service-new-coronavirus. Published April 1, 2020. Accessed April 2, 2020.