BioDot accelerates manufacturing to help customers meet global COVID-19 testing demand

Automated “lateral flow” dispensing technology is vital step in rapid point-of-care antibody test production

28 May 2020
Georgina Wynne Hughes
Editorial Assistant

Industry news

To support increasing demand globally for COVID-19 testing, BioDot has compressed production times for most new lateral flow dispensing platforms from months to four to six weeks. Each platform, or “work cell,” which dispenses highly precise volumes of specialized reagents for detecting COVID-19 antibodies, can enable production of one million point-of-care tests per week.

BioDot is operating 7 days a week to meet demand from global diagnostics manufacturers, including contract development manufacturing organizations. Worldwide, more than 50 companies are producing or developing COVID-19 antibody tests using BioDot technology.

“No company or government could have prepared for the mobilization required for this pandemic, but our employees and supply chain partners rose quickly to meet the challenge,” said Anthony V. Lemmo, Ph.D., BioDot CEO. “We’re honored to join hundreds of companies up and down the supply chain for diagnostics, therapies and vaccines who are pushing the limits of what’s possible to stem the spread of the virus.”

Lateral flow tests for COVID-19 can detect virus antibodies in blood (IgG, IgM or both). A patient’s blood sample is placed onto a pad on the test device, onto which a BioDot work cell has previously dispensed a specific sequence of reagents and controls. While clinicians wait, roughly 15 minutes, antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the sample will attach to test lines and present a positive or negative result visually or through a reader.

BioDot’s automated dispensing platforms are used by diagnostics manufacturers to produce high-quality COVID-19 tests rapidly and at a scale, and these companies are responsible for regulatory approvals and distribution to the point of care.

Want more of the latest science news straight to your inbox? Become a member of SelectScience for free today>>

Links

Tags

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.Pipettes and DispensersPipettes and dispensers are essential lab equipment used to dispense measured volumes of liquid accurately. Explore a range of manual and electronic pipettes, including single and multichannel, serological and volumetric pipettes, as well as a range of pipette tips. Bottle-top dispensers are also available for simple and fast solvent dispensing. Find the best pipettes & dispensers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct 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.