cbaker_admin
Thu, 08/27/2020 – 10:00
Experts forecast that rising cases of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other seasonal respiratory infections this fall could worsen coronavirus testing delays. Some manufacturers have starting producing tests that can screen for several pathogens at once, but they are costly and will likely represent only a small portion of the market. Some researchers are attempting to make their own multi-virus tests, but they will be unlikely to make up the shortfall. Several virus tests use similar machines and chemicals, and require handling and processing by trained staff. Susan Butler-Wu, PhD, clinical microbiology lab director with the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, says late summer is usually when laboratories start stockpiling influenza, RSV, and influenza-RSV combination tests in anticipation of the autumn surge. However, the existing supply chain is deficient only weeks ahead of one of the busiest times of the year. Dozens of public health laboratories that operate at the state and county levels, which process large numbers of samples from hospital patients, health workers, and nursing homes, may soon be using a new test for three viruses: coronavirus, influenza A, and influenza B. The combination test was designed by CDC and cleared for use by FDA in July.
