- StageZero Life Sciences (TSX:SZLS) is seeking government approval to begin testing for COVID-19 in the US and Canada
- If approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada, the company will provide serological and PCR testing
- Serology testing uses a small blood sample to determine if a patient has previously contracted the virus and since recovered
- PCR testing requires a mouth swab to determine if the patient has the live virus in their system
- StageZero Life Sciences (SZLS) is down 3.7 per cent, with shares trading for C$0.13 and a $40.6 million market cap
StageZero Life Sciences (TSX:SZLS) is seeking government approval to begin testing for COVID-19 in the US and Canada.
The company already operates a testing lab in Virgina that is qualified to perform the much-needed tests. StageZero is currently in talks with both the US Food and Drug Administration, and Health Canada. The company is seeking approval, allowing it to conduct testing in both countries.
If approved, the company will perform two types of tests from its clinics; serology and PCR testing.
Serology testing uses a small blood sample, and can return a positive or negative result for COVID-19 within 15 minutes. This test will determine if the patient has had the virus and since developed antibodies to fight the disease.
Based on the kinds of antibodies found in the blood, doctors can determine how recently the patient contracted coronavirus.
Conversely, PCR testing requires a mouth swab from the patient, which can then be sent for analysis. This method provides results within about a day, and can determine if the patient currently has the live virus in their system.
StageZero stated that both types of tests are necessary during the pandemic. Identifying the live virus through PCR testing will allow at-risk groups to receive timely medical care. It will also help the contact tracing method to limit further spread in the community.
Serological testing will hopefully provide more accurate data on infection rates throughout the community. This is because it can confirm previous infections in people who were otherwise asymptomatic.
In order to maintain safety at all of its operations, patient consultations will occur via the company’s telehealth service.
StageZero Life Sciences (SZLS) is down 3.7 per cent, with shares trading for C$0.13 at 10:48am EST.
