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BioReference Laboratories Announces Readiness for COVID-19 Testing if the Omicron COVID-19 Variant Emerges in The U.S.
ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., Nov. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BioReference Laboratories, Inc., an OPKO Health company (NASDAQ: OPK), announced COVID-19 testing
About this update from Opko Health, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., Nov. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BioReference Laboratories, Inc., an OPKO Health company (NASDAQ: OPK), announced COVID-19 testing preparedness for the Omicron Variant. BioReference's PCR diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 are based on recognizing specific RNA target genes that are common to all coronaviruses. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \nTo date, the diagnostic targets have not changed with the novel COVID-19 variants. The changes seem to be occurring within the Spike (S)-gene responsible for the spike protein and other genes unrelated to the diagnostic targets used for making the diagnosis. The Spike protein is responsible for attaching the virus to human cells via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor binding protein. It is predominantly the structure of the S-gene protein that has been changing with the different variants. These changes do not interfere with the high throughput RT/PCR assays as these tests all have multiple genomic targets. \n\"The emergence of the Omicron Variant should have no impact on our ability to diagnose the presence of COVID-19 with our lab based PCR platforms and point of care/rapid devices,\" said Jon R. Cohen, M.D., Executive Chairman of BioReference Laboratories. \"We are committed to maintaining our existing testing capacity and increasing that capacity to mid-pandemic levels as the need arises.\"\nBioReference has four laboratory-based PCR testing facilities including Elmwood Park, NJ, Melbourne, FL, Houston, TX and Burbank, CA. In addition, BioReference has more than 200 of rapid, Point-of-Care COVID-19 testing locations around the country. BioReference has performed over 19 million PCR tests and more 1 million Point-of-Care tests since the pandemic began. \nFor more information related to BioReference's COVID-19 testing, please visit www.bioreference.com. \nAbout BioReference Laboratories, Inc.\nBioReference Laboratories, Inc., is one of the largest full-service specialty laboratories in the United States that gives healthcare providers and patients the power to make confident healthcare decisions. With a focus on genetics, oncology, urology and women's health, BioReference offers comprehensive test solutions and unparalleled expertise based on a 40-year legacy of proven science. The company is in-network with the largest health plans in the United States, ...