Quest Diagnostics Moves Toward Antibody Testing for COVID-19

Quest Diagnostics said it has begun performing antibody testing for COVID-19 using blood samples. The Secaucus, NJ-based company said its antibody service uses tests developed for high-throughput lab environments. Quest said it is providing the service based on tests from Abbott Laboratories and Euroimmun, a Perkin Elmer company. In a release, Quest said the Abbott and Euroimmun tests are marked under FDA’s policy for diagnostic tests for Coronavirus Disease-2019. Abbott said it plans to submit for FDA Emergency Use Authorization and Euroimmun is currently seeking EUA. "As FDA has indicated, antibody testing has the potential to help healthcare professionals identify people who have been exposed to COVID-19 and who have developed an immune response," Jay Wohlgemuth, MD, Senior VP and CMO for Quest Diagnostics, said in a release. "In addition, FDA has indicated that antibody testing can help identify those who could contribute a part of their blood, called convalescent plasma, which may provide an avenue for possible treatment for those who are seriously ill from the coronavirus." The move toward antibody testing comes as Quest is releasing its 1Q20 results. The company beat earnings per share by 0.06 and beat on revenue. However, the firm withdrew guidance because of uncertainties that could arise from COVID-19. Earlier this month, the company said it would furlough 9% of its workforce, according to an article from Seeking Alpha. In addition, Que...
Source: MDDI - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: IVD COVID-19 Source Type: news