BATM launches no-swab saliva-based COVID-19 test

Rhea-AI Summary

BATM Advanced Communications has launched a new saliva-based COVID-19 test that significantly simplifies sample collection. This RT-PCR test, part of the MOLgen product range, allows for self-collection, eliminating the need for swabbing and trained personnel. With 100% specificity and sensitivity, it enhances accuracy over traditional methods. The test processes faster, handling approximately five times more samples than nasopharyngeal tests. CE certified, it can detect all COVID-19 variants and targets various settings, drawing interest from cruise lines and sports teams. Deliveries are expected to begin in April.

Positive

• Launch of a new saliva-based COVID-19 test enhances testing accuracy and convenience.
• Processing capabilities allow for approximately 1,000 tests per hour, improving efficiency.
• CE certification and validation by leading medical institutions boost credibility.
• Interest from cruise lines and sports teams indicates strong market demand.

Negative

• None.

HOD HASHARON, Israel, March 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BATM Advanced Communications Limited (LSE: BVC) (TASE: BVC), a leading provider of real-time technologies for networking solutions and medical laboratory systems, announces that it has launched a new molecular diagnostics kit that uses self-collected saliva samples to test for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This significantly improves the sample collection process compared with existing swabbing methods while, as an RT-PCR test, maintaining diagnostic accuracy. The Group has commenced taking orders and expects to begin delivering the kit in April.

This new kit, which is part of Adaltis' MOLgen product range, consists of reagents that have been developed to accurately detect SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples that are collected by an individual chewing a cotton ball for 30 seconds and then spitting it (or spitting directly) into a small plastic collector tube (a Salivette). It uses the RT-PCR technique, which ensures the highest levels of diagnostic accuracy compared with other saliva-based tests currently available in the market that primarily use the lateral flow method, which are far less accurate causing many false negatives and positives.

The reagents are based on the Group's existing COVID-19 antigen kit that tests samples collected via swabbing the upper (via the nose) and middle parts of the throat or fluid from the lungs, and which has five (4+1) gene discovery capability (compared with most kits on the market having three gene discovery capability or less) to enable detection even with a very low viral load. The new test has 100% accuracy for both specificity and sensitivity.

By the individual collecting a saliva sample, the test can be administered without the need for any trained healthcare workers in full body personal protective equipment. The test also has the advantage of being non-invasive and comfortable compared with swabbing via the nose (nasopharyngeal swab) or back of the throat (oropharyngeal swab). As a result, it is a far simpler and quicker solution, and has particular benefits for testing children and people with disabilities where the existing swabbing methods can cause distress or the tests are not possible to administer at all.

Other benefits of the new test include:

• Processing times at the laboratory are significantly reduced as the RNA extraction phase that is required for the existing swabbing methods before putting the samples into the PCR instrument is not needed for the Group's saliva-based test (which operates under a protocol developed at Yale University). The RNA extraction phase is also expensive and the main cause of contaminations that result in false diagnoses.   
• All standard PCR instruments can execute this test at a rate of c. 150-180 per hour, which (including the extraction phase) is approximately five times the rate for a nasopharyngeal test. One person is able to operate several instruments at the same time, which is very difficult with tests based on the existing swabbing methods. In addition, the instruments are able to be transported and set up in a mobile location. As a result, one operator can manage in excess of 1,000 tests per hour and can be deployed to where needed, such as the site of a school, sports event or on a cruise ship.
• It negates the risk of false negatives that can arise due to a badly performed nasopharyngeal swab.

This new kit, which is CE certified, is able to detect all known variants of COVID-19, including in people who are asymptomatic. It has been validated by leading research and medical institutions in Italy.

The test can be processed using Adaltis' AMPLilab instrument or any standard PCR instrument. The Group can also provide the sample collectors.

Dr Zvi Marom, CEO of BATM, said: 

"We are extremely proud to have launched this new saliva-based COVID-19 test for samples that are self-collected without the need for swabbing. This greatly simplifies the testing process to increase speed and reduce cost while maintaining the same high level of diagnostic accuracy. Despite the excellent progress that has been made with vaccinations, we believe that COVID-19 will be with us for quite some time and so solutions such as our new saliva test will be invaluable for providing the ongoing testing required in places where people gather such as schools and leisure venues. We have already received particular interest from cruise lines and professional sports teams who see this test as enabling a safe return to more normal life. We look forward to commence shipping this product shortly and to delivering further innovative diagnostic solutions for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in the near future." 

 

 

Enquiries:

BATM Advanced Communications
Dr Zvi Marom, Chief Executive Officer	+972 9866 2525
Moti Nagar, Chief Financial Officer
Shore Capital
Mark Percy, Anita Ghanekar, James Thomas (Corporate Advisory) Henry Willcocks (Corporate Broking)	+44 20 7408 4050
Luther Pendragon
Harry Chathli, Claire Norbury	+44 20 7618 9100

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SOURCE Batm Advanced Communication

FAQ

What is the new saliva-based COVID-19 test launched by BATM Advanced Communications?

BATM has launched a saliva-based COVID-19 test that allows for self-collection, significantly simplifying the process while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

When will the new COVID-19 saliva test by BATM be available?

The new saliva test is expected to begin deliveries in April 2021.

How accurate is BATM's new COVID-19 saliva test?

The test has 100% accuracy for both specificity and sensitivity, improving over existing swabbing methods.

Who is interested in using BATM's new saliva COVID-19 test?

Cruise lines and professional sports teams have expressed interest in using the test for safer operations.

What are the benefits of the new saliva-based COVID-19 test by BATM?

Benefits include non-invasive sample collection, faster processing times, and reduced contamination risks compared to traditional swab methods.