Beckman Coulter develops a test to detect COVID-19

Beckman Coulter is developing assays to recognise IgG and IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; this is following from research which shows that after the SARS-CoV-2 infection, viral antigens activate the immune system to produce antibodies that can be identified by IgG and IgM testing.

The assays will be optimised for use on any of Beckman Coulter’s high-throughput Access immunoassay or family systems. Furthermore, Beckman Coulter plans to achieve CE mark certification, once the assays have been completed.

Beckman Coulter’s immunoassay and chemistry business’s Senior Vice President and General Manager, Kathleen Orland, stated: “Antibody assays play a critical role in understanding the level of immunity an individual has developed against SARS-CoV-2. This type of understanding could help identify those who would require a vaccine once available, or when an infected individual could safely return to work.”

Beckman Coulter’s Chief Medical Officer, Shamiram R. Feinglass, stated: “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 they have had prior exposure and therefore have built an immunity to the disease. This test could allow those without immunity to be identified and kept safe until the pandemic subsides.”