Thermo Fisher rolls out point-of-care RT-PCR test for Covid-19 in India

Mumbai: Thermo Fisher Scientific has recently announced the introduction of the new and innovative Accula SARS-CoV-2 Test that delivers gold-standard reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detection of SARS-CoV-2 in a point-of-care format.

The Accula SARS-CoV-2 Test has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)–waived environments.

"Since the start of the pandemic, Thermo Fisher has acted quickly to provide support to the scientists and healthcare professionals at the frontlines of combating COVID-19," said Amit Chopra, managing director, India and South Asia, Thermo Fisher Scientific.

"Thermo Fisher's new testing platform combines the accuracy of RT-PCR with the simplicity, convenience, and procedural familiarity of traditional rapid immunoassays. The Accula SARS-CoV-2 Test is natural extension to our existing offerings and will significantly help to meet the continuing demands for rapid and reliable COVID-19 testing in India."

RT-PCR testing is streamlined from start to finish using a fully integrated, single-use microfluidic test cassette and the reusable, palm-sized Accula Dock. The test uses nasal swab samples and provides reliable, qualitative results in approximately 30 minutes.

The Accula SARS-CoV-2 Test is enabled by proprietary PCR technology that allows for reduced absolute temperatures and reduced temperature differentials—resulting in rapid exponential amplification while reducing overall thermocycling times.

"The rapid Accula point-of-care test will open new avenues of personal and public testing without compromising on accuracy," added Amit. "The introduction of the test in India is a demonstration of the impact our solutions have on human health during the pandemic, and far beyond."

In January 2021, Thermo Fisher acquired Mesa Biotech Inc., which developed the Accula SARS-CoV-2 Test to provide accurate and faster results at the point of care.