COVID-19 FAQ

COVID-19 clinical trial testing

COVID-19 Clinical trial testing

Since BioPharma Diagnostics uses a common code for COVID-19 testing, can I direct my samples for testing to a specific platform? Or will the samples be tested by a mix of platforms?

At this time, testing can only be directed to the Roche 6800/8800 platform. If a common code is used, the results are reported with a comment stating the platform and reagents used.

Does BioPharma Diagnostics offer a test for COVID-19 viral load?

Yes. Testing is by Bio-Rad Laboratories for SARS-CoV-2 on the QX200 and QXDx Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) Systems. This is a quantitative test.

Can I obtain cycle threshold (Ct) values with the results?

Yes.

What antibody type is measured? What is the antibody directed toward?

The Ortho Clinical Diagnostics assay is an IgG directed toward the SARS-CoV-2-spike protein.

Does BioPharma Diagnostics offer a quantitative serology test?

No. However, a signal-to-cutoff (S/Co) ratio can be provided as a semi-quantitative value for an additional fee.

What other serology tests are available?

BioPharma Diagnostics has a qualitative serology antibody test that is total antibody and directed toward the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. This test is performed using the Roche Elecsys platform.

Other testing questions

Is cytokine storm testing available?

Yes.

Where can I find a list of all available COVID-19 tests?

For information about COVID-19 testing, see COVID-19 BioPharma Resources.

Where can I find information about stability, TAT, specimen type, and specimen volume for a specific test?

For test-specific information, search for a test in the test catalog.

Can samples that are a non-validated sample type or out of stability be sent for testing?

This question is handled on a case-by-case basis with the laboratory where testing is performed.