SHORELINE, Wash. – April 9, 2020 – US BioTek Laboratories, a CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) accredited laboratory, announces that it will begin performing COVID-19 tests. Located north of Seattle in Shoreline, WA, the specialty laboratory is best known as a provider of immunology profiles used to identify food and airborne allergies and sensitivities. US BioTek will introduce two tests for the virus, the first using an FDA-authorized RT-PCR platform to detect the virus that causes COVID-19, and a second, serological test to detect antibodies to the virus. Both testing protocols are available to licensed healthcare providers and other authorized organizations.
“Like everyone, we are following the world events closely, and recognize that we have a unique capability to address the current shortage of COVID-19 testing,” said Jack Frausing, CEO of US BioTek Laboratories. “We have a modern, state-of-the-art lab and trained staff already in place, so adding this much-needed service was an easy decision. We are pleased to be able to do our part in the fight against the virus.”
US BioTek’s COVID-19 Diagnostic Test is performed using real-time reverse polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a patient. It is the current standard for identifying infected individuals. The test is performed using a sample collected from a patient by oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swab. Additional collection methods are currently under review and will be supported by US BioTek once recommended for use by the CDC.
The COVID-19 Antibody Test is a serological test that uses a highly sensitive chemiluminescent platform to detect antibodies to the virus in a patient. This test identifies recent or prior exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is being widely studied as a means of identifying immunity in individuals, which can be valuable information for those with high exposure risk, such as healthcare and service industry workers, or anyone who wants to understand his or her risk of becoming ill or transmitting the virus to others. The test can also be used to confirm or invalidate a COVID-19 test result performed on a PCR system, particularly when a false-negative result is suspected due to inadequate sample collection.
About US BioTek Laboratories
US BioTek Laboratories, Inc. is a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) accredited testing facility headquartered north of Seattle in Shoreline, Washington. With over 30 years’ experience in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technology, it employs the latest laboratory science, advanced automation technology, and a dedicated research team to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of each test it performs. More information is available at www.usbiotek.com