SelectScience
Join Free
Accelerating Science
NewsLife Sciences

Diagnostics firm distributing COVID-19 test kits in the UK

Biohit Healthcare

The new product line includes the MutaPLEX RT-PCR assay and ELISA kits to detect IgM and IgG antibodies

19 Apr 2020
Diane Li
Assistant Editor

Industry news

BIOHIT Healthcare Ltd is now distributing test kits for the diagnosis of both current and past COVID-19 infections to help in the fight against coronavirus in the UK. The new product line includes the MutaPLEX® coronavirus kit from Immundiagnostik AG (IDK) – a real-time RT-PCR assay to screen for infected individuals – and Epitope Diagnostics Inc's (EDI's) immunodiagnostic tests for IgM and IgG COVID-19 antibodies, to detect past infections.

The IDK MutaPLEX coronavirus screening assay allows the detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in a variety of biological specimens, especially nasal/throat swabs. This real time RT-PCR kit contains all the reagents, primers and dual-labelled probes required for the amplification and simultaneous differentiation of RNA from SARS-CoV-2 and other betacoronaviruses, as well as house-keeping genes designed to prevent false negative results due to insufficient sample collection or transport problems.

EDI's Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 ELISA kits provide qualitative detection of antibodies in patient serum, indicating a past COVID-19 infection. The IgM assay provides the earliest immunodiagnostic indication of an infection, while the IgG test can be used to aid detection and provide an indication of long-term immunological response, making it particularly useful in cases where clustering is suspected or differential diagnosis is required.

These tests extend and complement BIOHIT's repertoire of diagnostic kits for gastroenterology, aiding the evaluation of patients with both GI and upper respiratory complaints, as COVID-19 may include stomach and bowel symptoms in some cases. Inflammatory bowel disease patients being treated with immunosuppressive agents should also be considered at high risk for COVID-19, making differential diagnosis essential.

Graham Johnson, Managing Director of BIOHIT Healthcare Ltd, commented: "Access to diagnostic testing is vital to coordinate an effective response to this global pandemic. By distributing these kits, we hope to streamline and simplify the UK supply chain, allowing more people to be tested sooner. This is just one piece of the puzzle, but it is important that we all do our small part in protecting both individuals and the NHS and, ultimately, saving lives."

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

Links

Biohit HealthcareCompany website

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.Cell Adhesion AssaysCell adhesion assays are used to quantitate attachment and analyze the molecular mechanisms for extracellular matrix adhesion, cell migration and sensitivity to inhibitors. Find the best cell adhesion assay equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ELISAEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), also known as enzyme immunoassays (EIA), are used for the detection and quantification of proteins, peptides and antibodies in a sample. ELISA often comes in kit format, with pre-selected antibody pairs to detect specific proteins or biomarkers of diseases such as diabetes and obesity, or cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Detection is made possible with chemiluminescent, fluorescent or colorimetric substrates and detection instruments such as microplate / ELISA readers. Other kits available include: Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays for the quantification of protein-producing cells and chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) kits. Find the best ELISA kits and products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.PCR and Thermal CyclingPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits and thermal cyclers are used for the in vitro amplification of DNA permitting subsequent analysis and experimental procedures. Explore a range of high-quality polymerase, primers and nucleotides or simplify your workflow with a PCR mastermix. Find reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and cDNA synthesis kits for RNA products and libraries. Quantitatively measure the amplification of DNA with real-time PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) kits and systems, and discover automated PCR setup solutions to increase throughput. Alternative DNA amplification methods also include recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) kits. Find the best PCR kits and thermal cyclers and purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Sample ManagementSample management systems include sample storage devices such as freezers and plate storers, sample environment enclosures and sample organization, retrieval and sorter systems. Useful system features include high-throughput, automation, robotic arms, automated liquid handling and associated database systems. Accessories in sample management include barcode scanners, heat sealers and tubes.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.Biopharmaceutical AdvancesBiopharmaceutical advances follow the development of pharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology, also known as biotechnology medicines. Biopharmaceuticals may be produced from cell lines, plants, or microbial cells. Important considerations of biopharmaceutical use include application, cost, production process and purification.Clinical TrialsClinical Trials, an essential part of drug discovery process, assess the safety and effectiveness of a new medication or device in the pharmaceutical industry. Clinical Trials are a phased process (Phase 0, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV) which begins after initial preclinical testing.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.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Drug DeliveryDrug Delivery refers to dosage form, route of administration, formulations, technologies, and systems for transporting a pharmaceutical compound in the body as needed to safely achieve its desired therapeutic effect. Drug delivery is often approached via the biopharmaceutical or small molecule drug's formulation, but it may also involve medical devices or drug-device combination products. Considerations include instrumentation, software and services. Scale-upScale-Up is generally defined as the process of transferring the results of the discovery phases of the drug discovery process, obtained on a laboratory scale, to the pilot plant and finally to production scale. Scale-Up uses reactors and pump systems as well as reagents, standards and buffers. Often Scale-Up is provided as a service by Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs).

Related articles

Diagnostics firm distributing COVID-19 test kits in the UK