Singapore's Vela Diagnostics this week announced the availability of PCR-based research use-only tests for the identification of genetic targets specific to a new strain of bird flu (H7N9), as well as a highly virulent strain of coronavirus known as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, or MERS-CoV.
With concerns about the potential of both pathogens to cause global outbreaks, Vela's assays are part of a broader program directed at investigating the assays' potential as surveillance tools for patients suspected of being infected with the viruses, Vela said.
The tests will run on Vela's Sentosa workflow, a fully automated molecular diagnostics platform featuring real-time PCR-based detection. The company said that the tests will provide results in as little as four hours.
Vela said that it developed the H7N9 bird flu test under a partnership with Singapore's PathGen Dx.