CELLUM BioMedical’s Rapid, Reliable PCR Testing for Covid-19 and Influenza

Cellum BioMedical is Helping to Open America Up

Temecula, California, December 9, 2020 – CELLUM BioMedical Inc. is now providing fast, efficient, and reliable Covid-19 and Influenza A and B testing with a 24-hour turnaround (nasopharyngeal specimen).

Everyone has seen the devastating effects of the worldwide Covid pandemic. Moreover, winter is coming, and we already see the second wave of that virus. In combination with seasonal flu, there is a pressing need for quick and efficient testing.

“Rapid testing” is a popular buzzword nowadays. However, it is still fairly hard to get in the United States. Many test results can take weeks rather than hours. On August 7, a CNN report found that the average time in the US was 8.4 days. Cellum guarantees results within 24 hours. Testing is an integral part of the US government’s response to the current pandemic. But if it is only effective if the test results are available within a short window of time.

The process involves both specimen collection using universal transport medium and nasopharyngeal swab (known to be the most widely accepted collection method ). We perform testing using RNA extraction and amplification with reagents and an RT-PCR device. Collection sites can be a drive-thru, clinic, hospitals, and an individual's home.

Recently there have been numerous concerns arising because of inconclusive results that sometimes come after waiting upwards of a week. "One of the main causes of this type of inaccuracy is an inadequate specimen collection. If a non-trained professional or individual collects specimens at home, there is a higher chance for inaccuracy.", says Dr. Richard Jin M.D. PhD., the president of CELLUM Biomedical.

RT-PCR molecular tests normally take no more than 2 hours. However, bottlenecks in specimen handling, RNA extraction, result validation, report generation, and state reporting can explain why the final result may take days. RT-PCR can detect Covid-19, Influenza A, and Influenza B. Only a single sample is needed to check for all three viruses with greater than 99% accuracy. However, there is still a chance a negative result can be a false negative. Therefore, extra steps may be necessary depending on symptoms, exposure, and a doctor’s clinical judgment.

Reliable results hinge on scientists having the best tools for the job. CELLUM BioMedical has a suite of state-of-the-art testing equipment in their CLIA certified laboratory. With the utilization of high-throughput robotic devices and several analyzers, Cellum processes numerous samples seven days a week.

And if the individual booking the test needs to travel, CELLUM has that covered too. Countries have different pre-requisites for testing before US citizens travel there. These range from no regulation to testing negative within the past 48 to 72 hours to a negative test at the time of arrival. There may also be further requirements for testing and quarantining upon arrival. Rules can change, too, so it's important to have reliable, quick test results.

Currently, CELLUM BioMedical provides Covid-19 and influenza testing to several major hospitals and multiple skilled nursing facilities in the United States. It operates its own testing sites out of Temecula in Riverside County and Mission Viejo in Orange County, California. There are plans to open more mobile testing sites in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties soon.

CELLUM Biomedical Inc. (951)302-1144 www.CELLUMBio.com