Sample pooling can help conserve limited COVID-19 testing resources and make the process more efficient, allowing more people to be tested with fewer resources
The cobas SARS-CoV-2 Test can now support testing of up to and including six individual samples at once in a single pool
Sample pooling for cobas SARS-CoV-2 Test is the latest addition to a growing portfolio of Roche testing solutions to support healthcare systems and patients in the fight against COVID-19
Pleasanton, 21 October 2020 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorisation for sample pooling with the cobas® SARS-CoV-2 Test on cobas® 6800/8800 Systems. The test was the first commercial novel coronavirus test to receive FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in March. Laboratories in the U.S. and other countries accepting the FDA EUA may now test as many as six individual samples at once in a single pool with the Roche test.
The pandemic has created extraordinary demand for SARS-CoV-2 testing, and Roche continues to work with health authorities to facilitate safe and effective approaches to combat the COVID-19 public health crisis,
said Mario Torres, Head of Roche Molecular Diagnostics.
By offering a sample pooling workflow, we enable customers to implement appropriate pooling strategies to test more people using fewer resources where it makes sense. With this new workflow, our aim is to continue providing as many tests as possible to better serve patients and their healthcare communities.
Samples included in pools with a positive or presumptive positive result will need to be tested individually prior to reporting a result. Roche plans to launch the pooling protocol in markets accepting the CE mark in the future, and continues to partner with healthcare providers, laboratories, authorities and organisations to provide reliable, high-quality molecular testing solutions in the fight against COVID-19.