COVID-19

LabFlorida explains viral testing for active COVID-19 virus and antibody serology testing for immune response to SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus

Viral and Antibody Testing

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Viral testing is performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid or antigen. A sample is taken from the respiratory system (a swab from your nose and/or throat) to identify if an active infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 is present. Viral tests are recommended to diagnose acute infection. Some tests are point-of-care tests, meaning results may be available at the testing site in less than an hour. These are rapid tests that are not very accurate, and a repeat confirmatory test is often necessary. Other, more accurate tests with fewer false results, are sent to a laboratory to analyze. Turnaround… Continue reading →

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Assays from Beckman Coulter

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LabFlorida uses the assays produced by Beckman Coulter, headquartered in Brea, CA, is one of the most respected manufacturers of instrumentation and assays for the world lab industry. The assays detect antibodies targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD) on the spike protein which SARS-CoV-2 uses to bind to a human cell receptor. Beckman Coulter has the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Serology test has confirmed 100% sensitivity and 99.6% specificity. This is significant as antibodies which target the RBD have the potential to be neutralizing and thus prevent future infection by blocking the… Continue reading →

Antibody Testing Videos

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The SARS-CoV-2 virus and the COVID-19 disease have turned our lives upside down. Watch these videos about tests that LabFlorida can offer to your patients and employees.

COVID-19 Testing for Businesses

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LabFlorida is a Tampa-based clinical lab. Since 2012 we have provided local communities with state-of-the-art lab testing and personable customer service for our clients and patients. Since March 2020 we have operated in an emergency mode to provide an adequate response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After all the hard work our lab is finally fully equipped and supplied to offer all COVID-19 testing (viral/swab and antibodies/intravenous blood serum) for all businesses in Tampa Bay area and most of Central and Southwest Florida. LabFlorida has everything we need to offer the coronavirus testing in accordance with Interim Guidelines… Continue reading →

COVID-19 Testing in Nursing Homes

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Nursing home residents are at high risk for infection, serious illness, and death from COVID-19. Testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in respiratory specimens can detect current infections (referred to here as viral testing) among residents and HCP in nursing homes. Viral testing in nursing homes, with authorized nucleic acid or antigen detection assays, is an important addition to other infection prevention and control recommendations aimed at preventing SARS-CoV-2 from entering nursing homes, detecting cases quickly, and stopping transmission.

This guideline is based on currently available information about COVID-19 and will be refined and updated as more information becomes available.

Facing a COVID-19 case at your bar or restaurant?

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COVID-19 testing for businesses Continue reading →

FDA Issues More Warning Letters to Companies Inappropriately Marketing Antibody Tests

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When it rains – it pours. It’s amazing how quickly the testing scene has changed from no tests to test kits for all sold on every corner. The most recent and the most dangerous get-rich-quick scams is selling at-home self testing.

Antibody (serology) tests are very important and urgently needed for general population. These tests detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, which can help identify individuals who have developed an adaptive immune response to the virus, as part of either an active infection or a prior infection. However, most rapid kits that look like a small cartridge are highly inaccurate and some… Continue reading →

Masks are Mandatory in Tampa

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Mayor Jane Castor’s order is effective as of 5 pm on Friday, June 19, 2020. Everybody except for kids under 2 and people with medical conditions will be required to wear masks in all public places where “you can’t socially distance”.

Castor said a violation will result in a civil violation, not a criminal one. The city will also supply masks to residents and businesses that do not have access to face masks.