Health care network Hackensack Meridian Health reported on Tuesday that it has licensed a rapid test for COVID-19 to T2 Biosystems, a in-vitro diagnostics company based in Massachusetts.

Already in use in the Hackensack Meridian Health network, the COVID-19 test will meet a crucial need amid the continuing spread of the novel coronavirus. The rapid test for COVID-19 was created by the company's labs at the Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI).

Pursuant to the agreement, T2 Biosystems is authorized to adapt the CDI-developed COVID-19 test to the T2 Biosystems platform and market and distribute the test in places of need amid the expanding pandemic. The test will be capable of running on the T2Dx Instrument, the same instrument which runs the FDA-cleared T2Bacteria and T2Candida Panels.

The CDI's diagnostic tool, used under the US FDA Emergency Use Authorization guidance, has allowed health professionals in the New Jersey locations to quarantine and treat patients suspected of having COVID-19 more rapidly, allocate critical resources more effectively and, in the case of a negative result, spare the patient unnecessary time in the hospital.

In addition, the Hackensack Meridian Health network has reportedly been able to test about 90 patients per day.