ResourceLife Sciences
COVID-19 laboratory testing guide
29 Apr 2020The urgency and complexity of the current COVID-19 situation continues to grow, and testing plays an essential role. The COVID-19 laboratory testing guide from Siemens Healthineers provides content to support the extended role of laboratory diagnostics in managing COVID-19 patients.
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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.Data AnalysisData analysis hardware and software is available to make data processing straight-forward yet powerful. Data software can be used for math and stats, technical graphing and image analysis. In addition, software is available for specific data analysis of electrophoresis, densitometry, ELISA and DNA sequencing.Blood TransfusionBlood Transfusion involves giving donor blood to a recipient patient. Screening is essential to avoid transfusion reactions. Blood banks use immunohematological techniques to determine rh and ABO blood group, and screen for antibodies using specific antisera. Blood Banks use Direct Coombs Tests (DCT) and Indirect Coombs Tests (IAT) to detect hemolysis and Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN).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.Point-of-CarePoint-of-Care Testing (POCT) or Near Patient Testing (NPT) products are available for urine, blood and other clinical chemistry analyses. POCT includes: blood glucose testing, blood gas and electrolytes analysis, rapid coagulation testing (PT / INR), rapid cardiac markers diagnostics, drugs of abuse screening, urine strips testing, pregnancy testing, fecal occult blood analysis, food pathogens screening, hemoglobin diagnostics, infectious disease testing and cholesterol screening.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. Drug TestingIt is essential to test the efficacy and toxicity of drugs at every stage of their development to ensure that a pharmaceutical product is fit for purpose and safe for use before reaching the stage of mass production and distribution.Molecular DiagnosticsMolecular diagnostics use an individual’s genetic code and gene expression to diagnose and monitor diseases. The technique is used increasingly in the field of infectious diseases and oncology, as well as areas such as coagulation, HLA typing and pharmacogenomics. Molecular diagnostics plays a pivotal role in personalized medicine.Drug Discovery & Development ScreeningCoronavirusCoronaviruses 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.