BATM Advanced Communications Ld BATM launches no-swab saliva-based COVID-19 test (8689R)
11 March 2021 - 6:00PM
UK Regulatory
TIDMBVC
RNS Number : 8689R
BATM Advanced Communications Ld
11 March 2021
LEI: 213800FLQUB9J289RU66
11 March 2021
BATM Advanced Communications Limited
("BATM" or "the Group")
BATM launches no-swab saliva-based COVID-19 test
New self-collected saliva-based RT-PCR test significantly
improves sample collection process and turnaround time while
maintaining diagnostic accuracy
BATM (LSE: BVC; TASE: BVC), a leading provider of real-time
technologies for networking solutions and medical laboratory
systems, announces that it has launched a new molecular diagnostics
kit that uses self-collected saliva samples to test for SARS-CoV-2
(COVID-19). This significantly improves the sample collection
process compared with existing swabbing methods while, as an RT-PCR
test, maintaining diagnostic accuracy. The Group has commenced
taking orders and expects to begin delivering the kit in April.
This new kit, which is part of Adaltis' MOLgen product range,
consists of reagents that have been developed to accurately detect
SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples that are collected by an individual
chewing a cotton ball for 30 seconds and then spitting it (or
spitting directly) into a small plastic collector tube (a
Salivette). It uses the RT-PCR technique, which ensures the highest
levels of diagnostic accuracy compared with other saliva-based
tests currently available in the market that primarily use the
lateral flow method, which are far less accurate causing many false
negatives and positives.
The reagents are based on the Group's existing COVID-19 antigen
kit that tests samples collected via swabbing the upper (via the
nose) and middle parts of the throat or fluid from the lungs , and
which has five (4+1) gene discovery capability (compared with most
kits on the market having three gene discovery capability or less)
to enable detection even with a very low viral load. The new test
has 100% accuracy for both specificity and sensitivity.
By the individual collecting a saliva sample, the test can be
administered without the need for any trained healthcare workers in
full body personal protective equipment. The test also has the
advantage of being non-invasive and comfortable compared with
swabbing via the nose (nasopharyngeal swab) or back of the throat
(oropharyngeal swab). As a result, it is a far simpler and quicker
solution, and has particular benefits for testing children and
people with disabilities where the existing swabbing methods can
cause distress or the tests are not possible to administer at
all.
Other benefits of the new test include:
-- Processing times at the laboratory are significantly reduced
as the RNA extraction phase that is required for the existing
swabbing methods before putting the samples into the PCR instrument
is not needed for the Group's saliva-based test (which operates
under a protocol developed at Yale University). The RNA extraction
phase is also expensive and the main cause of contaminations that
result in false diagnoses.
-- All standard PCR instruments can execute this test at a rate
of c. 150-180 per hour, which (including the extraction phase) is
approximately five times the rate for a nasopharyngeal test. One
person is able to operate several instruments at the same time,
which is very difficult with tests based on the existing swabbing
methods. In addition, the instruments are able to be transported
and set up in a mobile location. As a result, one operator can
manage in excess of 1,000 tests per hour and can be deployed to
where needed, such as the site of a school, sports event or on a
cruise ship.
-- It negates the risk of false negatives that can arise due to
a badly performed nasopharyngeal swab.
This new kit, which is CE certified, is able to detect all known
variants of COVID-19, including in people who are asymptomatic. It
has been validated by leading research and medical institutions in
Italy.
The test can be processed using Adaltis' AMPLilab instrument or
any standard PCR instrument. The Group can also provide the sample
collectors.
Dr Zvi Marom, CEO of BATM, said:
"We are extremely proud to have launched this new saliva-based
COVID-19 test for samples that are self-collected without the need
for swabbing. This greatly simplifies the testing process to
increase speed and reduce cost while maintaining the same high
level of diagnostic accuracy. Despite the excellent progress that
has been made with vaccinations, we believe that COVID-19 will be
with us for quite some time and so solutions such as our new saliva
test will be invaluable for providing the ongoing testing required
in places where people gather such as schools and leisure venues.
We have already received particular interest from cruise lines and
professional sports teams who see this test as enabling a safe
return to more normal life. We look forward to commence shipping
this product shortly and to delivering further innovative
diagnostic solutions for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in
the near future."
Enquiries:
BATM Advanced Communications
Dr Zvi Marom, Chief Executive Officer +972 9866 2525
Moti Nagar, Chief Financial Officer
Shore Capital
Mark Percy, Anita Ghanekar, James Thomas (Corporate Advisory)
Henry Willcocks (Corporate Broking) +44 20 7408 4050
Luther Pendragon
Harry Chathli, Claire Norbury +44 20 7618 9100
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