US labs are prepared to test for coronavirus
There are seven coronaviruses known to infect humans. Named for the crown-tipped spikes on their tennis ball textured surface, coronaviruses can cause mild symptoms such as seen in the common cold or more severe respiratory infections that can lead to pneumonia and sometimes even death. MERS and SARS are both of the coronavirus family. COVID-19, the newest coronavirus, was first reported in Wuhan City, China, and has now spread to dozens of countries, including the United States.
Coronavirus statistics and facts
As of March 23, 2020, there were 366,948 cases reported worldwide, with 16,100 deaths. Forty thousand eight hundred and fifty-five of those cases are in the United States, with 483 deaths as a result of the virus. These numbers change daily.
The current official estimated range of incubation is two to fourteen days, with the average incubation being 5.2 days. This long incubation period can allow a faster spread of the virus as many infected individuals may be asymptomatic.
Testing for COVID-19
Medical laboratories are paramount to the efforts in America to contain the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus strain that causes COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has formed a rapid diagnostic test known as the 2019-nCoV Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel. At the time of this writing, only the CDC can test for COVID-19, but we expect this to change as more diagnostic tests become available.
LifeBrite Laboratories is committed to performing outstanding customer service and rapid results. We are ready to assist our clients and partners while we fulfill our mission to provide reliable, accurate, and fast turnaround times.
Laboratory technicians need to understand this virus and be prepared
Clinical laboratory technicians and scientists will be testing for COVID-19 in the coming month. The Centers for Disease Control has issued a guideline for the proper collecting, handling, and testing of specimens to ensure that clinical laboratories are prepared to respond to COVID-19 appropriately. These guidelines include keeping the specimen cold during processing and mixing at room temperature.
Lifebright Laboratories and their technicians
Lifebright Laboratories is CLIA certified and COLA accredited. We provide brand new, state-of-the-art instrumentation and strive to exceed the industry standards.
Labs can quickly identify respiratory pathogens
LifeBrite Laboratories is not new to rapid respiratory infection tests. Every day, lab technicians at LifeBrite Laboratories test samples for respiratory pathogens. They offer same-day results, so health care providers can quickly provide the appropriate treatment for their patients based on the lab results. To order a respiratory pathogen panel, click here to fill out an order form.
We are committed to providing the same type of service when the 2019-nCoV Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel becomes available for our testing.
To stay up to date on this ever-changing situation, follow the CDC website.