Molecular Removes Access Barriers to Coronavirus Testing

By now you have already heard of COVID-19, a new coronavirus disease spreading rapidly throughout the world. The virus responsible is called SARS-CoV-2. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has reported cases of COVID-19 in over 70 locations, affecting more than 100,000 people globally. While the virus is likely to cause a range of symptoms from mild to more severe, the illness has also resulted in death.

We know that SARS-Cov-2 is spread by person-to-person contact, but the complete clinical picture of the virus is uncertain. More testing is needed to fully understand the virus and how it should be contained. It is unclear if the virus can be spread through asymptomatic transmission or how long the virus can survive without a live host. The incubation period – the period of time that someone may carry the virus before symptoms occur – is estimated to be an average of 5 days, but may be as short as 2 days, and as long as 14.

Limited access to testing has hindered laboratories and healthcare providers from researching and containing the virus. Many health officials are concerned about other cases of COVID-19 that are going undetected due to the lack of available testing. Molecular understood the urgent need for SARS-CoV-2 testing, and we quickly began preparations to make it available.

In the coming weeks we hope to provide SARS-CoV-2 testing to health departments, hospitals, commercial partners, providers, and patients. We have resources to meet the high demand for testing that is anticipated. Our at-home self-collect capabilities will bring the test directly to the patient, establishing access to care without barriers. Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 will have access to testing from their own home, rather than elsewhere in the community, where they may expose others to the infection. The test is collected with an easy-to-use nasal swab and is shipped overnight back to the lab. Most results can be delivered within 24-48 hours from the time it is received at our lab, and you can get prompt follow-up care from a licensed physician providing consultation, medication, and recovery instructions.

Molecular’s mission is to provide accessible and innovative laboratory solutions through collaborative partnerships with payors, private healthcare institutions, universities, and public health organizations. We have revolutionized access to convenient and affordable testing using unique distribution and collection methodologies and believe that everyone should have access to the care they need.