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Beckman Coulter announces development of tests to detect coronavirus antibodies

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics

New IgM and IgG antibody assays will help indicate whether a person has developed immunity against COVID-19

31 Mar 2020
Diane Li
Assistant Editor

Industry news

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Beckman Coulter has announced that it is developing assays to identify IgM and IgG antibodies to the coronavirus (or SARS-CoV-2). The assays will be designed for use on any of its high- throughput Access family of immunoassay systems, including the Access 2 and DxI series installed globally.

Research has shown that after infection with SARS-CoV-2, viral antigens stimulate the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that can be detected with IgM and IgG tests. “Antibody assays play a critical role in understanding the measure of immunity an individual has developed against SARS-CoV-2,” said Kathleen Orland, senior vice president and general manager for Beckman Coulter’s chemistry and immunoassay business. “This type of understanding could help determine the identification of those who would require a vaccine once available or when an infected individual could safely return to work.”

“With the ability to assess a patient’s immunity to SARS-CoV-2, this testing modality may enable clinicians to clear hospital staff, emergency responders, and others to get back to work with an indication that have had prior exposure and therefore may have immunity to the disease,” said Shamiram R. Feinglass, M.D., MPH, chief medical officer, Beckman Coulter. “This test also could allow those without immunity to be identified and kept safe until the pandemic subsides.”

Once the assays are finalized, Beckman Coulter intends to follow FDA’s Emergency Use Notification process as provided in the FDA’s Policy for Diagnostic Tests for Coronavirus Disease-2019 during the Public Health Emergency (March 16, 2020).

For the latest information on the new assays, visit www.beckmancoulter.com/coronavirus

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AntibodiesAntibodies are used in techniques such as confocal and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and immunopreciptation. Select specific antigen reactivity, high specific affinity, low non-specific binding, monoclonal or polyclonal, primary or secondary antibodies and associated conjugates such as an enzyme or dye for visualization.Assay AssemblyAssay Assembly is technique used in drug discovery to develop assays to test the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, or other activities of a compound on a cell. Assay assembly requires chip assembly, a delivery system and a detection and analysis method. Beneficial features of assay kits or automated systems include high-throughput, high speed and sensitivity and low signal to noise ratio.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Cellular PathologyCellular Pathology deals with the microscopic analysis of tissue samples and cells. Sample preparation and processing includes fixation, staining, sectioning and slide mounting, using equipment such microtomes and cryostats. In choosing immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry kits, consider chromogens, staining method, antibodies, microscopes and imaging.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Assay DevelopmentThe process of proving an assay to be sensitive with respect to the target is known as assay development. The assay should be able to characterize novel compounds and measure the potency of these compounds against a validated biological target.VirusesViruses are microscopic pathogens that require a host cell to replicate. Understanding their structure, replication cycle, and impact on the immune system is crucial in developing effective treatments, vaccines, and diagnostic methods. Research continues to focus on emerging viral diseases and antiviral drug discovery. Explore solutions for virus research, detection, and treatment in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.CoronavirusCoronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases like COVID-19. Research into the biology, transmission, and treatment of coronaviruses has become a global priority, particularly since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the virus�s structure and behavior is essential for developing vaccines, diagnostics, and antiviral treatments. Explore our peer-reviewed product directory to discover the latest research tools, diagnostic tests, vaccines, and treatments for coronavirus, compare products, read reviews, and receive pricing directly from manufacturers.Covid-19COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to a global health crisis with profound impacts on societies and economies. Research into diagnostics, vaccines, treatments, and understanding viral mechanisms continues to evolve. The pandemic has accelerated innovations in healthcare and biopharmaceuticals, including novel vaccine platforms and rapid testing technologies. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find top COVID-19 testing kits, research tools, vaccines, and treatments, compare products, read reviews, and receive direct pricing from manufacturers.Infectious DiseasesInfectious diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. 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Beckman Coulter announces development of tests to detect coronavirus antibodies