Bay Area Lab Aims to Distribute Millions of Coronavirus Tests After Creating Their Own – NBC Bay Area
Posted: March 29, 2020 at 7:42 pm
While testing for the coronavirus has been slow and scarce across the U.S., one Bay Area laboratory has created what they say is a faster, more accurate COVID-19 test, which is already attracting long lines of patients hoping to find out if they are infected.
The virus mutates every day, every week
We were able totweak some parameters and make sure that we give accurate results, but with afaster turnaround time, said Dr. Connie Chao-Shern, a molecularbiologist who helped create the new test with her team at Avellino Labs inMenlo Park. The virus mutates every day, every week, and this [test] actuallyis following the virus in all the mutations.
Dr. Chao-Shern, who serves as the chief lab officer forAvellino Labs, says the new test provides quicker and more accurate results thanother tests, including those created by the CDC.
The quicker wedetect the patients who are positive, the better they we can stop the spread,said Dr. Chao-Shern. The longerwe wait, the more chance of spreading the virus to somebody else.
FDA Authorizes Bay Area Lab to Begin Testing for Coronavirus
After receiving emergency authorization from the FDA, AvellinoLabs received its first batch of tests to process Monday morning. The NBC Bay Area Investigate Unit was theonly media outlet at the headquarters when those initial 33 samples arrived forprocessing.
Avellinos new coronavirus test can be processed within fourto seven hours, which would allow patients to be notified of their resultswithin one day.
Lab Focused on Eye Diseases Pivots to Coronavirus
COVID-19 tests are a new direction for the lab, which, upuntil this week, only focused on making tests to diagnose eye diseases.
We suspended testing of those, said John Hong, who heads the legal department and human resources at Avellino Labs. We've pivoted completely to testing for coronavirus, explaining that because both tests require genetic testing, the technology is similar.
We quickly realized, almost immediately, that this is something that may be able to benefit everyone
The company began developing the COVID-19 test in Januaryafter employees at their Shanghai laboratory complained about a lack of tests inChina. Soon after, Avellino Labs created their own test in California, whichthey then shipped abroad to their coworkers.
We were thinking of that just being a resource internally, Hong said. Then, we quickly realized, almost immediately, that this is something that may be able to benefit everyone.
Firefighters Trade Hoses for Nose Swabs
As the coronavirus began to spread across California, HaywardFire Chief Garrett Contreras began searching for test supplies that his firefightersand paramedics could utilize to care for communities in the Bay Area. Itwasnt long before the Chief connected with executives at Avellino Labs.
One of our vendors...had called me and said that ChiefContreras was looking for the test, said Scott Korney Chief Operating Officerat Avellino. [Contreras] was thrilled that we had availability of testing.
The partnership allowed Hayward to open its first drive-upand walk-up testing site Monday at Hayward Fire Station #7, 28270 HuntwoodAvenue.
Suppression, through isolation after testing, or SIT, as we call it, is an approach that has proven to be most effective in countries on the leading edge of this pandemic, said Chief Garrett Contreras.
His firefighters armed with swabs, thermometers, andtesting kits are now on the front line of the pandemic. In opening the testing site, the department declaredthat sick people, first responders, and health-care workers with recentexposures to the novel coronavirus can be tested for infection.
Coronavirus Tests Remain Scarce
About 60 percent of the coronavirus testing done in the U.S. took place in just about the last week, according to the White House.
"We now have 370,000 tests that have been done," said Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force, who made those comments during a press conference on Tuesday. "The majority of those over 220,000 in the last eight days, which, those of you who have been tracking the South Korea numbers, put us equivalent to what they did in eight weeks that we did in eight days."
Tests, however, remain scarce in the Bay Area and across the country, so only about 10% of those in line at the Hayward site have been tested -- the sick and elderly continue to be prioritized. Yet, to understand the impact of the virus, some argue far more people need to be tested and even retested.
Testing once - it lets you know whether you're infected at that point in time, said John Hong. But without the second test, without the third, fourth test in the future, you can't you can't be assured of anything except for when you got tested that first time.
We will stop this pandemic
Lab employees spent roughly a month, working throughout the night, to develop the test.
It was exhilarating, said Dr. Chao-Shern. We cheered...we, at that time, actually, we hugged!
Currently, the lab can process about 350 tests per day. Over the next two months, however, Avellino plans to triple its staffing in order to increase its processing capacity to 7,000 tests per day.
The number of tests we could actually run will be determined by how quickly we can bring in partners to help us rapidly expand, said Eric Bernabei, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Avellino Labs. We have a plan now that we could get close to 200,000 tests per month, he said.
The demand for tests, like the virus, is spreading. Withevery batch of used tests dropped off, new tests are going out. Avellino Labshas been inundated with calls from all over the world, asking if the lab canproduce tests for their communities.
We will prevail, said Dr. Chao-Shern. We will stop the spread and we will stop this pandemic.
Read the original:
Bay Area Lab Aims to Distribute Millions of Coronavirus Tests After Creating Their Own - NBC Bay Area
- A New Price Tag for Breast Cancer Genetic Testing - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Genetic testing technologies - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Prostate Cancer Genetic testing - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Genetic Testing - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Genetic Testing - One of the Best Things to Happen to Me - littlemamauk - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- BowelGene - genetic testing - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Genetic Testing Fact Sheet - National Cancer Institute [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2015]
- Genetic Testing - Genetics Home Reference [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2015]
- FAQ About Genetic Testing - Genome.gov [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2015]
- Regulation of Genetic Tests [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2015]
- Types of Genetic Testing - Genetics Home Reference [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2015]
- Genetic Testing: What You Should Know - FamilyDoctor.org [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2015]
- Genetic Testing - BRCA1 & BRCA2 Mutations | Susan G. Komen [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2015]
- What is genetic testing? - Genetics Home Reference [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2015]
- Genomics |Genetic Testing [Last Updated On: August 24th, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 24th, 2015]
- What is genetic testing? - American Cancer Society [Last Updated On: August 24th, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 24th, 2015]
- Genetic testing - WebMD [Last Updated On: September 2nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 2nd, 2015]
- Genetic Testing and Screening | Florida Hospital [Last Updated On: September 2nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 2nd, 2015]
- Genetic Testing Toledo OH - DNA Diagnostics Center [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2015]
- Genetics - Genetic testing and counselling - NHS Choices [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2015]
- Genetic Testing Germantown MD - DNA Diagnostics Center [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2016]
- GeneDx | Genetic Testing Company | The DNA Diagnostic Experts [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing - kidshealth.org [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2016]
- BRCA1 and BRCA2: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing - Breastcancer.org - Breast Cancer ... [Last Updated On: April 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2016]
- Frequently Asked Questions About Genetic Testing - Genome.gov [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2016]
- Pregnancy & Prenatal Testing: Genetic Testing for Inherited ... [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing | Family Caregiver Alliance [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing - American Medical Association [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing - Cancer Treatment | CTCA [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2016]
- genome.gov - FAQ About Genetic Testing [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2016]
- Family Cancer Genetics Program at UC San Diego Moores ... [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2016]
- Genetic Testing - Benefits, costs, and risks of genetic testing [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- Myriad Genetics | Healthcare Professionals | About Genetic ... [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing | Gluten-Free Society [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- Genetic testing - Canadian Cancer Society [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- genetic testing | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing: Best Defense Against Breast Cancer? [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing | Issue List [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- Jewish Genetics, Part 1: Jewish Populations (Ashkenazim ... [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- What Is Genetic Testing -- Information About Genetic Testing [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2016]
- Genetic Testing Report - genome.gov [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2016]
- Good Laboratory Practices for Molecular Genetic Testing ... [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2016]
- Genetics and Cancer | American Cancer Society [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2016]
- Genetic testing - FSH Society [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- Myriad Genetics | Patients & Families | Genetic Testing 101 [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- BRCA1 and BRCA2: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing Fact Sheet ... [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- FAQ About Genetic Testing - National Human Genome Research ... [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- Genetic testing - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2016]
- Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk | Cancer.Net [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2016]
- Cancer Genetics Risk Assessment and Counseling (PDQ ... [Last Updated On: December 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 20th, 2016]
- Patients Who Tested Positive For Genetic Mutations Fear Bias ... - NPR - NPR [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Genetic Testing for the Healthy - Harvard Medical School (registration) [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Genetic testing Overview - Mayo Clinic [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- The real reason why all women should get their DNA tested - Quartz [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- DNA insurance: Why genetic testing could revolutionise the industry - Verdict [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- Everything you need to know about the Government plan for genetic testing to treat cancer patients - BreakingNews.ie [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- Greater access to genetic testing needed for cancer diagnosis and treatment - Cancer Research UK [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2017]
- Chief medical officer calls for gene testing revolution - BBC News - BBC News [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2017]
- Genetic Testing Facilities and Cost - Breastcancer.org [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2017]
- Greater access to genetic testing needed for cancer diagnosis and ... - Medical Xpress [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2017]
- Global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Market Outlook 2022 - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2017]
- Invitae: Growth in Genetic Testing - Moneyshow.com (registration) [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2017]
- Cystic Fibrosis Among Asians: Why Ethnicity-Based Genetic Testing is Obsolete - PLoS Blogs (blog) [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2017]
- Hospital gets cardiac genetic test service created in memory of broadcaster's son - Belfast Telegraph [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- David Frost cardiac genetic testing service opens - BBC News - BBC News [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- UK's chief medical officer calls for gene testing revolution in cancer treatment - Daily Nation [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- Konica Minolta buys US genetic test maker in $1B deal - BioPharma Dive [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2017]
- Checking the cost of a genetic test - Chicago Tribune - Chicago Tribune [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2017]
- Genomic Testing in Oncology: From Single Genes to Whole Genomes - Labiotech.eu (blog) [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing Can Be a Trip Down the Rabbit Hole - Newswise (press release) [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- DNA Diagnostics Center brings four genetic testing options to retail - Drug Store News [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- Jeans for Genes Day stall at Taree City Centre - Gloucester Advocate [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- She thought she was Irish until a DNA test opened a 100-year-old mystery - Chicago Tribune [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- Genetic testing: The new way to identify and train elite athletes? - USA TODAY High School Sports [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- Mail order genetic tests for health risks. How much do you want to ... - KOMO News [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- Genetic Testing: Finding the cause of your infertility ... [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- SF's Invitae to acquire two prenatal genetic screening firms - SFGate [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2017]
- For Indian doctors, it's written in the genes not stars - Economic Times [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2017]