24 March 2020 - - US-based biotechnology company Aperiomics is now offering a test for the novel coronavirus, the company said.

Aperiomics' Xplore-COVID-19 test is available nationwide and the company has already begun taking orders for the test.

With the ability to process up to 1000 coronavirus tests per week, Aperiomics can provide test results within 48 to 72 hours of receiving a sample.

The tests, which can be ordered for patients at a cost of USD 250 per sample, utilise a PCR technique designed to identify specific genetic markers within the coronavirus using samples obtained via throat swabs.

This test utilises existing sample collection, DNA extraction, and PCR identification technologies.

This new testing capability is the result of a collaborative effort within the biotech community.

Aperiomics has partnered with trusted peers including Integrated DNA Technologies, who are supplying the critical primers and probes needed to conduct these tests and Zymo Research who are providing DNA/RNA sample collection and RNA extraction reagents.

Aperiomics has built its name as a leader in cutting edge pathogen detection and is the only company able to identify every known bacterium, virus, fungus, and parasite through its deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing test, Xplore-PATHO.