COVID-19 Tests Broadens Access

California-based Roche today announced the expansion of the COVID-19 PCR portfolio to the cobasⓇ 5800 System, a recently launched molecular laboratory instrument, in countries accepting the CE mark.

These tests include cobas SARS-CoV-2 Qualitative and cobas SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza A/B tests.

The test supports nasal, nasopharyngeal, and oropharyngeal swabs and saliva specimens.

SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B: cobas SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza A/B is intended for the simultaneous qualitative detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, and/or influenza B virus RNA in nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs.

The new launches expand the Roche Diagnostics molecular portfolio offering by providing standardized performance and efficiencies across low, medium, and high volume molecular laboratory testing needs.

In addition, the new compact cobas 5800 System broadens access for healthcare systems with limited resources or space.

This means better access to testing in countries or environments with insufficient space or resources to accommodate larger instruments.

Since launching in 1896, Roche has been a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives.